Rosberg: I'm not going to play number 2 role

Despite putting up a hard fight against his teammate Lewis Hamilton last year, the German has struggled to match the reigning world champion so far in 2015.

Mercedes' previous dominance was challenged by Ferrari two weeks ago in Malaysia, moving boss Toto Wolff to consider whether a strategy change might now be necessary.

Some interpreted that as a sign that Hamilton may be granted de-facto 'number 1' status, but Rosberg insisted: "That definitely won't be the case.

"It will still be the same," he told Britain's Sky Sports. "We are going to have an intense battle and the rivalry will continue."

"Shanghai suits me"

Rosberg also denied that the intensity of his rivalry with Hamilton had reduced because of his increasingly subordinate position on the track.

"My start hasn't been 100 per cent," he admitted, "but it hasn't been that far off either.

"The (Shanghai) track really suits me and we have an awesome car so it should be a great weekend and the win is possible."

Wolff has denied that Mercedes needs a re-think to its approach following a post-Sepang summit at its base in Brackley last week.

"We just need to stay calm, continue to develop and put the right things on the car," said Wolff.

"Maybe we (will) put some things earlier on the car than planned, but there is no reason to panic."