Oct.8 (GMM) Nico Rosberg is reluctant to commit to Mercedes beyond his current contract, according to a Spanish sports newspaper.

The 26-year-old has consistently outperformed seven time world champion Michael Schumacher in the last two seasons, but is yet to record a single grand prix win.

The Marca daily said Mercedes is desperate to re-sign him for 2013 and beyond, but claims the young German is stalling for now as he watches the driver market.

With Jenson Button now committed to McLaren beyond next season, Rosberg could emerge as a leading candidate to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari.

"Marca has learned that Rosberg wants to wait on renewing his contract with Mercedes in order to try his luck in negotiating with Ferrari next year," said the report.

Mercedes' motor sport president Norbert Haug admitted at Suzuka that the German marque wants to tie up Rosberg.

"I have Nico until 2012 and, if I had my way, for much longer," he said.

A few weeks ago, there were reports Rosberg was set to commit to Mercedes until 2016, but Marca says he is now pushing for a year-on-year deal.

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