Top three teams covered by half a second predicts Daniel Ricciardo

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo is predicting a close fight for victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend, believing the top three teams are covered by less than half a second.

Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari were the ones to watch in pre-season testing and although predicting a precise pecking order is nigh on impossible, Ricciardo suggested everything pointed to a close top three.

"I'd love to say we are all within half a second," the Australian told the official Formula 1 website during a sponsor event this week.

"I think that's still being quite conservative but realistically, if it leaves six cars within half a second, it's looking alright. I'd like to think that's as big as the gap is going to be spread.

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"I don't know where we stand with Ferrari. I think we are close. I couldn't tell you if we are a tenth quicker or they are."

Ricciardo reckons Mercedes will still lead the way after the reigning champions kept their true pace under wraps in Barcelona.

"Mercedes kept a bit under wraps at testing. I don't want to say we are out of it before it begins, but I think on real pace the Mercedes is still ahead of the Ferrari and Red Bull."

Even if Red Bull don't end up on the top step this weekend, Ricciardo says a podium finish would "send a strong statement" to their rivals that the team, which struggled last year before recovering ground and out-developing both Mercedes and Ferrari, is truly in the title fight.

"We are coming to Melbourne a lot more prepared than we have been in previous years. We have to use that to our advantage.

"If both cars can get strong points finishes this weekend, and by that I mean the podium, I think that will send out a strong statement to Mercedes and Ferrari."