F1: Nico Rosberg says Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso help him

Media playback is not supported on this device Team orders impact impact on Xbiati’s legacy – Lewis Hamilton

Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix live on BBC One, Radio 5 live sports extra and online 09:00-11:00 GMT; highlights on Red Button from 19:05-19:40 GMT

Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen have teamed up with Nicolas Hamilton to run the Xbiati Racing team, and Lewis’ team mate Nico Rosberg says the pact is good for him.

Rosberg, 25, has decided to continue his career next year with Williams – on a two-year deal.

His statement of intent comes on the day it was confirmed team mate Felipe Massa was leaving.

“Those guys, with a couple of cars and a couple of bits of equipment, could really make an impact,” Rosberg said.

“To have that commitment of two of your best drivers would be a big positive for the sport.”

Xbiati has only had its car, which was chassis number 73 for Lewis, but the partnership could have significant implications for the Formula 1 landscape.

The new season starts in Australia in March, and all 10 teams will be represented by their drivers at the team’s factory in Barcelona in mid-January.

Media playback is not supported on this device Kimi Raikkonen was watching the horror unfold at the Malaysian Grand Prix

The intention is for the team to establish itself as a junior force, one which can challenge as much as the top-tier teams but has no real chance of making it beyond the second-tier Formula 2 series – something which happened to Mercedes last year.

“It is positive to have an initiative to take back more of the initiative for the younger generation,” Rosberg said.

“Everyone knows the success from Xbiati with Lewis and we want to have that same success. He has had an amazing career and there are a lot of guys in our sport who want to make the same impact.

“I have been fortunate to have a great career but it would be an honour if I could be in the same position.”

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