Niki Lauda: 'Nico Rosberg not thinking about new contract'

Nico Rosberg and Mercedes have played down rising speculation about the driver's expiring contract.

Reports have suggested that Rosberg is on pole position for a new deal beyond 2016, given his six straight wins.

However, Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda told Bild in Berlin: "Nico is not thinking about a new contract.

"He is currently so strong that while the topic interests the media, for a driver it is nothing."

Rosberg agreed: "This is currently not an issue for me. But I do want to continue for many years here [at Mercedes], that's clear."

The German tops the drivers' rankings with 75 points, comfortably ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton with 39.