Valtteri Bottas relishing challenger tag

Valtteri Bottas has said that he is happy being billed as one of the most likely challengers to Mercedes's dominance of Formula 1.

The Williams driver enjoyed a strong 2014, finishing fourth in the drivers' championship, which led to many observers pointing to the Finn as a possible race-winner.

However, Bottas has insisted that he is happy to be considered as a potential threat to the Silver Arrows.

He told Formula 1.com: "I do enjoy that. We are a racing team and we want to win races, and right now I feel it's a good place to be.

"When people say that they believe that we are the main challengers to Mercedes, that's really cool. We will do everything to give them a hard time!

"But we never underestimate other competitors. Red Bull sure will be strong, Ferrari as well. McLaren is a question mark because of their new engine, so I have a feeling that we will see a much tighter season this year."

Williams finished third in the 2014 constructors' championship.