Feb.26 (GMM) Retired seven time world champion Michael Schumacher has named countryman Nico Rosberg as his personal standout of the 2008 winter.



Even though 22-year-old Rosberg was on Monday outpaced by his Japanese rookie teammate Kazuki Nakajima at Barcelona, Schumacher has earmarked the driver as one to watch this season at the wheel of Williams' Toyota-powered new FW30 model.



"I have been most impressed by Nico," Schumacher, 39, is quoted as saying by the Swiss newspaper Blick after testing for Ferrari at the Spanish circuit.



Williams' 2008 single seater has been a regular performer of the pre-season period, leading some to believe that the formerly ultra-successful British team could be set to become F1's third force this year.



Rosberg, too, is pleased with the FW30 but also keen to keep expectations in check.



"The (lap) times have been very satisfactory," he is quoted as saying by Sport Bild, "even in moments when we have not really been searching for quick times."



The German, however, said it is his hope to bring the Grove-built car "regularly into the points" this season, with the ultimate target being podium places.