Red Bull have "definitely" closed the gap to the leading duo of Ferrari and Mercedes according to team principal Christian Horner.
Whilst Horner concedes that Ferrari look to be favourite and Mercedes are "there or thereabouts", he's confident the work done over the winter at Red Bull and in Japan with new engine supplier Honda, have helped to reduce the gap between them and Red Bull.
"It's clear Ferrari, after the second test, look very strong," Horner told Sky Sports at the Geneva Motor Show, where he and technical chief Adrian Newey are unveiling a new hypercar in partnership with title sponsor Aston Martin.
"Mercedes are going to be there or thereabouts, they're the reigning world champions so they're not going to be slacking.
"I think we have definitely closed that gap. We will see not just in Melbourne, because that's a little bit of a unique track, but look over the first three races and then ask me again then how we're faring."
Honda's strong performance and evidence that they have also closed the gap to rival engine manufacturers has boosted Newey too, according to Horner.
"The engine change has stimulated the whole team – and particularly Adrian," he added.
"He sees that the engine is now getting closer and closer to the performance of the front-running teams. That's really motivated him and he's working very hard with all the guys and girls back in Milton Keynes."
