Rosberg admits father opposed to Ferrari move

Nico Rosberg has revealed that his famous father was adamant he should stick with Mercedes for the future.

Last year, amid rumours Ferrari was considering dropping Felipe Massa, paddock banter said Rosberg was the main contender to be Fernando Alonso’s next teammate.

But Keke Rosberg, the 1982 world champion and the highly rated Mercedes driver’s father, was dead against the Ferrari move.

"He was just beside himself, saying that I should stay (at Mercedes) 110 per cent," 26-year-old Rosberg is quoted by Sport Bild.

"At the same time," the German added, "I was also quite certain that Mercedes is the best place for me."

But Rosberg admits that a lot of his Monaco-domiciled friends are keen Ferrari supporters.

"Some of the more patriotic of them were a little upset when I extended my contract," he revealed, "but I really believe in this project."

Rosberg said his goal for 2012 is more than three podiums, therefore beating his 2010 tally.

"That would be a great step on the way to the title, which is what we want to be fighting for in the coming years," he said.