Can Mclaren, Ferrari and Mercedes close the gap on the all-conquering Red Bull team?

Red Bull Sebastian Vettel ( Germany), Mark Webber (Australia)

Vettel and his team will again be the ones to beat as they chase their third successive crowns, but they are unlikely to be as dominant as last year. Even so, expect a few tricks to be lurking under the skin of Adrian Newey’s latest car even if testing in Spain has been far from trouble- free. Webber should be far more competitive than last year when he struggled to get to grips with the tyres and allowed Vettel to build a huge advantage early on. Only two drivers have ever won three titles in a row – Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher. Only Ferrari, Mclaren and Williams have ever racked up three successive constructors’ championships. keeping out of trouble. Button, 2011 runner- up, senses a real chance of a second title to add to his 2009 championship. The easy partnership between the two Britons could be tested to the limit this time around. Ferrari Fernando Alonso lipe Massa (Brazil)

Formula One needs a strong Ferrari while Italy, without any home-grown drivers for the first

(Spain), Fe-

wait for victories. Mercedes Nico Rosberg ( Germany), Michael Schumacher (Germany)

Mercedes are looking for a big step up on last year and the signs so far are encouraging. Rosberg completed the most miles in testing of any driver and Schumacher, starting the third year of his comeback and still chasing his first win since 2006, has sounded upbeat. The Brackleybased team have invested heavily in technical staff and principal Ross Brawn is confident the car is a significant improvement. If so, Rosberg could be closer than ever to his first win and Schumacher his 92nd. seems the same as ever while Grosjean looks a far better prospect than the stand-in who drew a blank in 2009. Force India Paul Di Resta (Britain), Nico Hulkenberg (Germany)

The British-based Indian team are ready to move up a gear and become a nuisance for more established rivals higher up the pit lane. Both drivers are highly promising youngsters hungry for success and the new car won plaudits when it was unveiled and has looked quick in testing. One to watch. Sauber Kamui Kobayashi (Japan), Sergio Perez (Mexico)

The departure of technical director James Key was seen as a pre- season blow but the Swiss team are solidly professional and have been going about their business in testing with typical precision. The car looks a tidy solution to the rule changes and has set some impressive times. Perez now has a year’s experience under his belt and will have grown in confidence while Kobayashi knows how to thrill. Sauber’s biggest challenge could be developing the car over the year due to tight budgets.