The German shook down the new W07 at Silverstone on Friday, on the day that Ferrari launched its 2016 contender in Italy.

Rosberg stressed that he's looking forward to a chance to beat his teammate Hamilton to the World Championship at the third attempt.

“Every year is a big challenge, and every year is a big year,” he told Sky Sports F1 as he left the test.

“It's a great opportunity at the moment, and I look forward to it. I look forward to this challenge of going up against Lewis again, who's been driving at an extremely high level.

“It's the sort of battle that I relish, that's what I do sports for, it's what I compete for. So that will be good. And let's see how it goes.”

“We’re working together”

Rosberg refused to be drawn on Toto Wolff's warning at the end of last season to the effect that the drivers have to put the team first.

“That's really long ago now,” he said. “At the moment of course we're working together because it's in our interests that the car is as good as possible, to make sure that there's no other opposition, and it's just between the two of us.

“But I don't want to speak about details of ups and downs, it's always the same.”

Taking the Ferrari threat seriously

Rosberg says Mercedes does not underestimate Ferrari, expected once again to be the biggest threat: “We take the opposition very seriously, especially Ferrari.

“For sure they are going to be a big threat, so we need to keep pushing. Who knows where are going to be at the first race?”

Asked about his Mercedes contract – which ends this year – Nico was relaxed about his long-term future with the Brackley outfit.

“I'm sure there's going to be many more years to go here at Mercedes,” he said. “I feel comfortable here, I really enjoy being part of the team.

“We've achieved so much and there is even more to achieve in the future.”