Nico Rosberg has expressed his delight after finishing fastest in the first practice at the Australian Grand Prix.

The German edged out teammate Lewis Hamilton in the opening session of the new season as Mercedes made a dominant start.

"It was great to be back in the car at this awesome track," NBC Sports quotes Rosberg as saying. "Today we have the evidence that our Silver Arrow is quick again and it was a great start for the team.

"I was very happy with my long run but on one lap I still need to work on the pace as I had a lot of oversteer in the car. It seems again that it's very close between Lewis and me and he is a great driver, so I need to nail the set-up every time to come out on top.

"This year will be a big battle again against him, I'm sure. I'm looking forward to the first weekend of the new season with all the great fans out there."

The Australian Grand Prix will take place this Sunday.