Rosberg not giving up on 2014 title

Nico Rosberg is convinced he is still in the running for the 2014 title.

The German, once the runaway championship leader, has fallen 17 points behind with just three races to go off the back of teammate Lewis Hamilton’s run of dominant form.

"It’s difficult for Nico now," team chairman and F1 legend Niki Lauda was quoted on Tuesday by the German news agency SID, "as Lewis is currently at his very best."

Even the fans agree. In a survey by the news agency, only 22 per cent believe Rosberg can track down Hamilton’s lead and go on to win the drivers’ title by the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.

However, the highly controversial new ’double points’ finale could work in the 29-year-old’s favour, as the winner in Abu Dhabi next month will bank 50 rather than the usual 25 points.

"I love this rule," Rosberg reportedly grinned on Tuesday.

On the other hand, he insisted: "I know I can win every race, so my tactics are not really changing.

"I won’t give up on the championship until the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi," Rosberg added.