Daniel Ricciardo doesn't believe Red Bull are quite a match for Mercedes and Ferrari yet, going by test results, but insists they're "close enough" to challenge at the front.
Ricciardo posted the second quickest time on the fifth day of testing, just 0.174 seconds adrift of the fastest lap set by Williams' Felipe Massa. However Ricciardo set his time on the quicker ultrasoft tyre compared to Massa on the supersoft, whilst Sebastian Vettel in third, just 0.006 adrift, was on the slower soft compound.
The Australian is therefore of the belief that Ferrari and Mercedes – who have yet to truly show their hand – are a little ahead.
"It feels better and better with each day," said Ricciardo. "From day one to day two, I was more impressed, and now day two to day three to now, for me the feeling is betting better. I feel the car is starting to evolve a bit, so that's nice. We have optimism we can keep improving.
"I'm not sure we're quite on Mercedes or Ferrari level yet, but we're getting there," he admitted.
When asked specifically if Ferrari were favourites, Ricciardo replied: "I think they certainly look quick. I'm, sure Mercedes will still be very quick, but they're looking good.
"Even though Williams didn't run much last week, I think the day they did get a good run in, I thought they looked good too. Today again they showed that.
"Where is Red Bull. Not sure, we're there or thereabouts. We're close enough."
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