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Rosberg eyes gains on top three

Nico Rosberg finished sixth behind team-mate Michael Schumacher in India © Getty Images

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• Race:
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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• Drivers:
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• Nico Rosberg

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Nico Rosberg says he is hoping that Mercedes can get closer to the top three teams in the final two races of the season.

After beginning the season with the target of challenging for race victories, Mercedes has yet to score a podium in 2011 compared to three in 2010. With Rosberg and team-mate Michael Schumacher having finished the Indian Grand Prix over a minute behind race winner Sebastian Vettel, Rosberg said he would be looking to close that gap before the end of the season.

"The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is another great Hermann Tilke-designed track which I like very much," Rosberg said. "It's a fantastic setting with the track winding around the harbour and the hotel, and there is always a great atmosphere there with so many fans. I have good memories from last year's race and racing later in the day makes an interesting change to the usual race weekend format.

"I felt very comfortable in my car over the Indian Grand Prix weekend, and I'm planning to build on the result there in Abu Dhabi. I hope that we can get closer to the fastest teams for the last couple of races this season, and we are pushing very hard to achieve that."

Ross Brawn added his praise for the Yas Marina circuit, and said that he would be looking for a repeat of the fifth and sixth places in India.

"The Yas Marina Circuit is without doubt one of the most visually impressive Formula One facilities to have been built in recent years," Brawn said. "The race has very quickly established itself as a wonderful, sell-out weekend, loved by drivers, teams, fans and guests alike. We are looking forward to our visit, and of course the added challenge of the later start and 'twilight' race. On the back of a two-car points finish, and a very good team performance, at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, we will be working towards a similar result in Abu Dhabi."

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