Rosberg invites Vettel to Mercedes debrief

BERLIN - Agence France-Presse

REUTERS Photo

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg has officially invited his Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel to attend the German team's debrief in Malaysia following the pairs' spat after Mercedes dominated the Australian Grand Prix.
      
Defending champion Lewis Hamilton picked up where he left off in the season's opener in Melbourne last Sunday by claiming victory with Mercedes team-mate Rosberg second and Vettel third.
      
At the post-race press conference for the podium finishers, Vettel mocked Rosberg's claim he wanted to see more competition in races to make the sport more exciting after Mercedes finished half a minute ahead of the field.
      
"So, you hope you slow down, is that what you're saying?" quipped Vettel.
      
The German Ferrari driver said Mercedes should open up their garage before the Malaysia Grand Prix on Sunday March 29 so "everyone can have a look".
      
Now Rosberg has taken Vettel at his word with an invite to attend Mercedes' engineering debrief on Friday March 27 at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit.
      
"Dear Seb, this is the official invitation to join our debrief Friday 1600 at Sepang. See you there, don't forget to bring your notebook!," wrote Rosberg on his Twitter account.
      
Vettel is one of the few Formula One drivers without a Twitter account and it remains to be seen whether the four-time world champion takes up his compatriot's offer.
     
But if he does attend, Vettel's famous notebook will be coming with him.
      
"I always have to write everything out, perhaps I am not smart enough," he said tongue-in-cheek.