The German, who took his third victory of the F1 season last Sunday to close to within 10 points of Hamilton in the championship, was quickest in testing at the Red Bull Ring.

It’s the second day of in-season running that Rosberg has done this season, following his day driving at the post-Spanish GP test in May, while Hamilton has not been present at either test.

“It definitely helps me being in the car today, but Lewis is going to take the same set-up, so it’s just that I’ve done the job for both of us,” Rosberg said.

“It’s the team that learns the most out of the day, but of course I learn a few bits and small things, which are always useful.”

Rosberg completed 117 laps, despite a gearbox issue just before lunch, as Mercedes worked on set up for the forthcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

“The gearbox issue didn’t cost us any time because there was time to fix it over lunch,” Rosberg added.

“It was an intense programme, but we got through everything and we learned a lot of things.

“We prepared for Silverstone so drove a stiff car to specifically prepare for that race, so that was good information.

“Other than that, the programme just involved trying some mechanical things.

“I’m looking forward to Silverstone. The car is going to be great as fast corners are the specialty of this car.”