Rosberg unmoved after Lauda contract comments

Nico Rosberg has played down reports this week that suggest he is on a fast-track to a new Mercedes contract.

While promoting the forthcoming German grand prix at Hockenheim, the championship leader was asked on Tuesday about Niki Lauda’s suggestion that a new two-year deal is now basically agreed.

"There is nothing to report," the German insisted, according to DPA news agency.

"Nothing has changed but there is no time pressure either," Rosberg added.

But at the same time, he played down suggestions the lack of a deal for now means it remains possible that he could move to Ferrari to be Sebastian Vettel’s new teammate.

"I am sure that I will stay at Mercedes for many more years," Rosberg, who turned 31 on Monday, insisted.

He was more comfortable talking about this weekend’s Austrian grand prix, where despite it being the ’Red Bull Ring’, he will charge for a hat-trick of wins at the circuit at the wheel of his silver racer.

"The track suits me very well," said Rosberg, who leads teammate Lewis Hamilton by 24 points. "I’m sure this will be another good weekend."