Nico Rosberg thinks "there will be a fierce competition" between him and Mercedes GP team-mate Michael Schumacher this coming Formula One season.
Schumacher heads into 2011 looking to improve markedly upon a poor comeback year, having finished down in ninth place in the drivers' championship with a best result of fourth place.
Rosberg, meanwhile, finished seventh in the standings and claimed three podiums as he amassed 142 points - 70 more than his team-mate.
Although the 25-year-old admitted he was, on the whole, disappointed by the results the team earned last season, he added that getting the better of the seven-times world champion "felt good".
"From a personal angle I have to say it was a good season," Rosberg told the official Formula One website. "I was able to beat Michael and delivered the best possible results with the car I was given. For my career that meant a pretty good leap forward and in the end that is all that matters.
"Sure, on the other hand it was a bit disappointing because naturally you want to walk away with better results overall."
He replied: "Ha, from my point of view he can repeat his performance of last year!
"But I am sure that will not be the case. I expect there will be fierce competition between the two of us. But of course I hope I will wind up on top."
He said: "I don't think I bruised the Schumacher myth.
"He is a seven-time world champion and that will always remain in the history books.
"But, sure, it felt good to beat him as he is not viewed as one of the best F1 drivers ever for nothing."
Rosberg remained positive about his chances of challenging for the 2011 title despite Mercedes GP's mediocre performance at the recent F1 test at Jerez.
He insisted Schumi's car was NOT in "qualifying spec" when the ex-champ set the fastest time on the second day of the test, despite widespread suspicions to the contrary.
He said Mercedes were "heading in the right direction" with their development.
And he promised the team were set to make a "big step" that will see them challenging Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren.
German Rosberg, heading into his sixth F1 season at the age of 26, said he was not envious of compatriot Sebastian Vettel - world champion at 23.
He added: "Hats off to what he has achieved. I don't have any problem with it whatsoever. But I am also looking forward to my time arriving.
"I definitely want to win a race this year. First one and then building on that win.
"Isn't it crazy? I've won all my life and then five years in Formula One and no win. That is spooky. But I don't see this as a flaw.
"I think the important decision makers in Formula One can clearly see what I am capable of and what I've already achieved.
"Take last season — that was clear for everyone to see. So far I haven't had the car and we all know this is a very important factor for a Formula One career."
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