Nico Rosberg and Mercedes have played down rising speculation about the driver's expiring contract.

Reports have suggested that Rosberg is on pole position for a new deal beyond 2016, given his six straight wins.

However, Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda told Bild in Berlin: "Nico is not thinking about a new contract.

"He is currently so strong that while the topic interests the media, for a driver it is nothing."

Rosberg agreed: "This is currently not an issue for me. But I do want to continue for many years here [at Mercedes], that's clear."

The German tops the drivers' rankings with 75 points, comfortably ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton with 39.