Formula One rookie Nico Rosberg is revving up to follow in his famous father's footsteps and make his mark in the racing world.

The heir to the Finnish 1982 F1 world champion Keke Rosberg was in Bangkok briefly last week to launch the latest edition of the Oris limited-edition mechanical watch that's been created for him.

The 21-year-old Williams driver is too young to remember his dad race but says his father is his inspiration and his role model.

"He's always at the races and also helps me make big decisions. He gives me a lot of tips and analyses what I should improve," says the German-Finnish driver, who supports Bayern Munich soccer team.

Rosberg shares the same interests as other young men his age, but says his idol is cyclist Lance Armstrong, who not only defeated cancer, but also won the Tour de France, professional cycling's most prestigious race, seven times in a row from 1999 to 2005.

"Lance is just so determined to carry on, no matter what. Even though his body conspired against him, he refused to stop. Whenever I feel down, I think about what he had to overcome."

Rosberg started his career in karting at the age of 11, winning the Cote d'Azur mini-karting championship and the North American championships in '97 and '98.

He says the taste of victory inspired him to be a driver.

"Driving is a terrific sport. Overtaking someone on the track is an amazing feeling," says the racer who lives Monaco.

In 2002, he entered German Formula BMW and won the title easily. Three years later, the ART Grand Prix team signed him up for the newly created GP2 Series.

He joined Williams at the beginning of the 2006 and got off to a good start, placing not just in the points, but also becoming the youngest driver to set the fastest lap in his first race in Bahrain.

He attributes his success to his father.

"I felt there was a little bit of pressure on my shoulders in my first competition. However, I left the pressure on one side and went on to fight.

Perhaps, I have a champion's blood running through my veins."

As the leading light of his generation and with a famous dad to boot, he's aware that he's under close scrutiny but refuses to let it bother him.

"When we're on the track, age doesn't make us different. Experience is the main factor and it will distinguish us in the end. I know people are enthusiastic to see me and criticise what I've done so far since I'm the son of a world champion.

"I just don't let myself think about it. I don't want to compare myself with others, just take part in the race," says Rosberg. Another challenge that probably helped take his mind off all the media attention was sepak takraw, Thailand's ball game. He tried it, but admits to finding it difficult.

Asked about his most memorable race to date, Rosberg replies with hesitation.

"The Monaco Grand Prix. It's the toughest track - a very twisty circuit, extremely bumpy, sharply cambered and slippery."

The rest of the 2006 season brought mixed blessings for the young driver. He retired in four out of seven Grand Prix, and although he raced brilliantly at the Turkish event, his car lost water pressure, denying him the chance to pick up points.

With his former Williams partner Mark Webber moving alongside David Coulthard at Red Bull Racing for the 2007 F1 season, Rosberg will be joined at Williams by Alexander Wurz.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation