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F1: Nico Rosberg unsure Williams can be title challenger

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Nico Rosberg, the son of 1982 World Champion Keke, is staying at Williams in 2009 but the German is unsure the team has the goods to be a championship challenger.

The 23-year-old is among the most highly rated of F1's younger generation, but despite speculation of moves to teams including McLaren and BMW-Sauber he remains committed to the Grove-based squad for a fourth consecutive season next year.

But when asked by GPWeek if he can realistically charge for the title as a Williams' racer, Rosberg answered: "I don't really want to answer that at the moment.

"We have other things to worry about and we need to get back in the right direction."

Despite a promising start with a podium in Melbourne, Williams' 2008 campaign seems to have stalled of late, raising suggestions the team is now looking expectantly to next year, when sweeping rules changes are an opportunity for struggling teams.

Rosberg agrees: "We can definitely do better than where we are now, particularly with the rule changes. It's a big opportunity to put a good car out there."

He confirmed he would still be a Williams's driver in 2009.

"The future is here ... well, next year. Then we'll see."
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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