Pre-season testing can give an indication about who could be on the top step of the podium but you have to be sceptical about the fastest laps and outright pace because teams will be running heavy fuel loads and aero racks. Ferrari hit the headlines after Kimi Raikkonen set the fastest lap time over the winter testing, this showed that the prancing horse has outright pace but I still think Mercedes have the edge. Mercedes still look to have the best package and with the strongest power unit on the grid it could be same Silver Arrows dominance that we have witnessed in the three previous seasons.
Red Bull are the final team that I believe could challenge for victory in Australia, the RB13 looks quick in the corners but the team have stated that they lowered the engine power and I believe they will be considerably quicker when they arrive in the first race. The power units have hit the headlines as the TAG Heuer branded Renault engine has been down on power compared to their counterparts.
How does the midfield shape up?
Williams, Toro Rosso and Force India looked to have competitive cars but Williams look to just have the edge over their competitors. The FW40 has shown reliability and pace but just lacks the outright pace to match the top three. Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa are a good partnership but they need to conscious of the Toro Rosso's and the Mercedes-powered Force India's who will be tough to shake off.
Renault will be at the back end of the top of the midfield as they lack the top end speed with the Renault power unit, but I believe they can develop the car to challenge Williams and Force India.
Who needs to improve?
McLaren Honda have had a dreadful pre-season, the Honda power unit has been unreliable leaving the team scratching their heads.
McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has publicly blamed the Japanese manufacturer leaving the relationship in limbo.
Sauber and Haas will battle at the lower end of the grid and maybe pick up some valuable points that make a huge difference to the smaller teams.
