25/01/2010
NEWS STORY
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn has said there is no number one driver at the team this season, despite the presence of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.
"We don't have a number one driver and we don't intend to have a number one driver," Brawn told reporters at the launch of team's livery in Stuttgart.
"Of course I have a long-standing relationship with Michael," he continued. "Beyond that there will be complete parity with the drivers in terms of equipment and support. We gave Rubens and Jenson equal support and that will be the case this year and it's there for both drivers to establish their positions, beat each other and compete with each other and do it in the correct fashion and in a constructive way."
Asked about Schumacher request that he change race numbers with Rosberg, Brawn said: "It was a simple request and there was no reason to not give him something he wanted because it made no difference to Nico. Nico was completely comfortable with it. For both drivers the important number is number one and they will have to earn that one.
"I would actually dispute this title of number one driver," he added. "The number one driver is the fastest one. Whoever is the fastest and winning most races you could argue is the number one. But we will give maximum support to both drivers."
The Englishman's assurance was welcomed by Nico Rosberg who admitted to feeling slightly apprehensive following Schumacher's signing in late December.
"There was this little bit of doubt within me," he admitted, "especially because Michael has a very good relationship with Ross and all that. However, recently I've had a lot of discussions with Ross and Norbert Haug and I am very confident and comfortable that we will both have the same opportunities, same car, same everything. So that's fantastic."