Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg said on Thursday (17 September) he didn't believe the haze will be a factor in this Sunday's (20 September) Grand Prix race in Singapore.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Nico Rosberg, Mercedes driver:(On being in Singapore).

"It's exciting to be here, you know it's a great race track, it's a great atmosphere, great city, the whole event is fantastic. My best position has been second up to now, so this year I need to do one position better."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Nico Rosberg, Mercedes driver:(On the haze not being a factor).

"No, because it's (the haze) reduced now, it should be fine. I don't think it will be a problem."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Nico Rosberg, Mercedes driver:(On the importance of winning in Singapore).

"Yeah, for sure it's important. He's (Lewis Hamilton) done a great job this year and also I got a bit of bad luck last race with the engine breaking, so I lost some points. So now he's quite a few points ahead, that's disappointing. But I need to keep pushing, you know, it's important to try and close the gap now."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Nico Rosberg, Mercedes driver:(On Jenson Button possibly retiring after this season).

"He (Jenson Button) would be a great loss for sure because he is a great driver and a world champion also, you know. But I haven't heard this from him personally, so I don't want to comment too much."