Rosberg should 'get out of there' as Michael Schumacher outshines him

Rubens Barrichello has offered some sage advice to Nico Rosberg after witnessing Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One: "Get out of there."

There was a tongue-in-cheek element to Barrichello's comment as he appreciates Rosberg will never act on his words.

However, there was also a grain of truth given Barrichello spent six years as stooge to Schumacher during their time at Ferrari.

The fact Schumacher is now reunited with Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn, the architect of his seven world titles, only adds to Barrichello's concern for Rosberg.

The younger German was outshone by the 41-year-old, his comeback in full swing after more than three years in retirement, following the first day of testing in Valencia ahead of the new season.

Asked if there was any advice he would give Rosberg as Schumacher's team-mate, he replied with a smile: "Yeah. Get out of there!

"That is the only thing I can tell him. He needs to drive fast and don't crash. Ross will always tell you that before the race."

Barrichello insists Rosberg has a difficult job ahead of him, even if the 24-year-old was reassured as to his position within Mercedes upon learning of Schumacher's appointment.

"Knowing what I know, and seeing how fast Michael went, it is going to be a tough job.

"He is a great talent and I wish him all the best because I think he is a talented boy who can be world champion.

"Let's put it this way, if he has a chance of being world champion in the same team as Michael, he can be world champion anywhere."