And former Grand Prix winner Gerhard Berger couldn't agree more, as he sees Red Bull Racing as the clear favorites for the 2011 F1 season, followed by Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes. As far as the Brackley based team is concerned, Berger doesn't see them in the Top 4 either, saying Renault could in fact provide the “surprise” of the year.
“I believe Red Bull have the best car again, and I see Ferrari and McLaren at eye-level behind them,” said the former Toro Rosso co-owner in a recent interview with Sport Bild magazine.
Additionally, he referred to Norbert Haug's prediction that once Mercedes GP will debut their new aerodynamic package prior to the season opener in Australia, it could hope for podium positions and even wins later on.
“I have my doubts,” added the Austrian, who said that the only “step ahead” Mercedes GP have done in recent days has been in the race engineering department, where they've appointed former Renault man Bob Bell as their new technical director, rather than in the aerodynamic area. Besides, while Merc will continue with their aerodynamic development through March, their rivals will not just sit and watch them do that.
“So there is no logical reason why they should catch up with McLaren or Ferrari, let alone Red Bull,” he concluded.
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