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Sebastian Vettel believes there will be a close fight for third on the grid at the first race in Australia but reckons Mercedes already has the front row of the grid secure.
The Mercedes has looked ominously quick in pre-season testing, while Williams and Ferrari have been closely matched for second fastest. Red Bull is also expected to be in the mix, but Vettel does not see any of the three contenders closing the gap to Mercedes for the first race.
“It’s difficult to say on March 1, in two weeks we will know more, but it’s clear that Mercedes is in front by quite a way. After that there seems to be a bit of a gap and then it is a lot closer with many teams. It’s difficult to say who is right behind, but I think it’s probably very close between Williams, Red Bull and ourselves.”
Asked to name the top six on the grid in Melbourne, he said: “The first two is easy unless they have some issues, it’s the Mercedes unfortunately. Then I hope two Ferraris and then I don’t care.”
Vettel completed a race simulation on the final day, and although the run was interrupted by an issue after 20 laps he said it was only minor.
