German Nico Rosberg is confident he will not be outpaced by new Mercedes Formula One teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
Rosberg admits that Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, is fast but believes he can manage the car better.
While Rosberg performed better than his former teammate, Michael Schumacher, it was considered that was due to the seven-times titleholder slowing down with age.
But he strongly denied that was the case.
“I can assure you that Michael was still on it,” Rosberg told Germany’s Sport Bild.
Rosberg and Hamilton raced against each other in go-karts and he said that while the Briton was fast, Formula One presented different challenges.
“He was super-fast,” Rosberg said.
“Karting is pure but, in Formula One, my other strengths come into play much more.
“I always get the most from the set-up – I am very consistent.
“There are drivers who have days where not everything fits together. I have less of them,” Rosberg said.
Meanwhile, Hamilton said on Thursday he was enjoying life at Mercedes more than he had at McLaren, which had nurtured him through the ranks from his early teens.
Hamilton said Mercedes had given him more time to be with his family and friends, indicating McLaren was a more controlling team.
Mercedes emerged the fastest team in pre-season testing in Spain, although bad weather ruined the preparation of all teams.