![\"Dr-Helmut-Marko-1\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2014-rif-images\/f1-2014-persons\/Dr-Helmut-Marko-1.jpg\")
After controlled race victories for the German squad in Australia and Malaysia, the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg pushed each other hard in a long wheel-to-wheel battle out the front in Bahrain.<\/p>\nReigning world champion team Red Bull is hoping to be “at least within reach” of dominant Mercedes in the space of a month.<\/p>\n
After controlled race victories for the German squad in Australia and Malaysia, the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg pushed each other hard in a long wheel-to-wheel battle out the front in Bahrain.<\/p>\n
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said it was “the first time we saw their (Mercedes’) true potential”, amounting to a two second per lap advantage to the rest of the field.<\/p>\n
He warned: “In China, Mercedes are again going to be very difficult to beat given the kilometre long straight.<\/p>\n
“But then once we get back to Europe we need to start making inroads into them.”<\/p>\n
The team’s Dr Helmut Marko, referring to the subsequent Spanish grand prix in mid May and beyond, agreed: “Our hope is that we are at least within reach by Europe.<\/p>\n
“You need a good engine in Bahrain,” he told Austrian Servus TV, “and China will also be difficult with two long straights.<\/p>\n
“But in places like Barcelona and Monaco, the chassis has more importance again.”<\/p>\n
Marko hailed Mercedes’ advantage at present.<\/p>\n
“Through (Mercedes’) ingenuity and a much longer-term preparedness, both us and Ferrari have a lot to do to even come remotely close to them.<\/p>\n
“This will be a process that will not be achieved by a stroke of genius,” he added.<\/p>\n
Ferrari, who alongside Mercedes and Renault is the other engine manufacturer in F1, is also pushing to improve.<\/p>\n
The works team’s Fernando Alonso, who is testing in Bahrain this week, said: “We have the resources and the potential to do it.\u00a0 We have a very aggressive (development) programme, which we need.”<\/p>\n
Ferrari customer Sauber agrees that Mercedes’ rivals need to work hard to catch up.<\/p>\n
“In Bahrain it was obvious that one of the three manufacturers has a huge advantage regarding the powertrain,” said chief engineer Giampaolo Dall’ara.<\/p>\n
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