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F1 CUP

F1 ace Nico Rosberg says he will treat every race as a ‘cup final‘ after sensational Spa victory

German was deflated after Lewis Hamilton battled back from 21st to finish third

NICO ROSBERG will treat every F1 race like a "cup final" as he tries to resurrect his title hopes.
The German was left deflated at the Belgian GP as his enemy Lewis Hamilton battled back from 21st on the grid to finish third.
Nico Rosberg and his Mercedes GP team celebrate his win with in Spa
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Nico Rosberg and his Mercedes GP team celebrate his win with in SpaCredit: Getty Images
Mechanics work on Nico Rosberg‘s car during the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa
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Mechanics work on Nico Rosberg‘s car during the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix at the SpaCredit: Getty Images
Rosberg held off the challenge of team-mate Lewis Hamilton who claimed third place
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Rosberg held off the challenge of team-mate Lewis Hamilton who claimed third placeCredit: Getty Images
The result left the Brit with a nine point lead in the championship when he had been expecting to surrender his advantage to the German due to his 60-place grid penalty.
But Rosberg, whose father Keke won the world title in 1982, is refusing to throw in the towel and has promised to take the fight to Hamilton this weekend in Monza.
He said: "I'm really enjoying the battle out there right now. We've got several cars in the mix now which is exciting for us and also the fans.
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Rosberg said: I'm really enjoying the battle out there right now

"For me, I'm taking every race like a cup final. It's great to know you have the team and the car to just go out there and lay it on the line."
However, Hamilton is still on cloud nine after he overcame the astonishing tally of penalty points for taking three new engines.
He will also have a new gearbox for this weekend's Italian GP and is clearly itching to get back behind the wheel.
Lewis Hamilton finished third despite being forced to start in 21st
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Lewis Hamilton finished third despite being forced to start in 21stCredit: Getty Images
The Brit managed to get the Union Jack on the podium with third spot
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The Brit managed to get the Union Jack on the podium with third spotCredit: AP:Associated Press
He added: "Spa was about as good as damage limitation can get. It was a fantastic result for me and for the team.
"Now we go to Monza. I had a perfect weekend on track there last year. If I can repeat that it would be amazing.
"It's game on for me now with the penalties out of the way and fresh engines ready to use. I can't wait to get back out there."
Meanwhile, McLaren chairman Ron Dennis says a decision has NOT been made on Jenson Button's future.
Rosberg celebrated his latest win with his dedicated team in Spa
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Rosberg celebrated his latest win with his dedicated team in SpaCredit: Getty Images
The 2009 world champion is still waiting to hear whether he will be offered a new contract when his current deal expires in December.
And despite rumours suggesting he has been told he will not be kept on for another season, the team's executive chairman says no decision has been made.
Dennis said: "We've always said that Monza would be when we discuss it internally.
"A final board decision will be taken at the end of September - that's the plan and it's always been the plan."
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