Nico Rosberg borrowed some football lingo to describe his mindset entering this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, as the Mercedes driver aims to take every remaining this race as if it were a “cup final”.

Rosberg is coming off a comfortable win in Belgium, which allowed him to close the gap to team-mate Lewis Hamilton to just nine points with eight rounds left this year.

The German explains that the small deficit, combined with renewed challenges from Red Bull and Ferrari, raise the stakes even further.

“I’m really enjoying the battle out there right now,” the German said. “We’ve got several cars in the mix now which is exciting for us and also the fans.

“For me, I’m taking every race like a cup final. It’s great to know you have the team and the car to just go out there and lay it on the line. I can’t wait to make our Silver Arrow fly at Monza.”

After tasting victory for the first time of his career in Belgium, Rosberg looks to make it back-to-back wins at historic venues in Italy, especially after he had to retire with an engine failure on his last visit to Monza.

“It’s great to add a classic circuit like Spa to the list of wins. It wasn’t a straightforward weekend for us – but everybody did a fantastic job and the car kept improving with every session, so hopefully that puts us on a good curve as we head to another legendary track.

“This is a race I really enjoy and one I’d really love to master. The tifosi create such an incredible atmosphere every single time, no matter who wins the race. Last year obviously didn’t end so well for me there, so I’m hoping for a bit more luck and a little less fire this time.”

Scene at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix

Belgian Grand Prix – quotes of the week

F1i’s driver ratings – Spa-Francorchamps

RACE REPORT: Rosberg wins at Spa as Hamilton recovers to third

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