Norbert Haug has refuted speculation that Michael Schumacher will be the team’s number one driver for 2010, claiming that Nico Rosberg is happy to partner his fellow German.
Earlier this week it was announced that Schumacher would take over Rosberg’s designated number 3 for 2010 – a move which has led many to suggest that the seven-times champion will once again receive preferential treatment.
However Haug, the Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, has stated that there is no heirarchy in the team and that Nico Rosberg is pleased with the team’s current set-up.
“Nico has found his desired configuration,” he told German news agency DPA. “He has always wanted to drive the Silver Arrows in Formula One, and have Michael Schumacher as his team-mate. That may sound like a fabulous PR statement, but it is precisely the truth.”
Haug also claimed that Schumacher would have to earn the position of number one in the team.
“To be a team’s No.1 is done only through extraordinary effort, and I trust that both of our drivers will give this, especially if we give them a very good car.”
