Marko still convinced Red Bull has the better chassis

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Ferrari can claim bragging rights for posting the fastest times in pre-season testing, but Red Bull's Helmut Marko believes the RB14 is the best chassis.

Many pundits think the Milton Keynes-based outfit has a winner on its hands, thanks to the team's early start to the RB14's design process and to the speed showed by the new charger in pre-season testing.

Marko contends that if there is a deficit between the Renault-powered Red Bull and its front-running rivals Mercedes and Ferrari, it should be put down to the engine.

"We have the better chassis," the Austrian told Auto Motor und Sport. "The difference is the engine."

Red Bull better prepared than ever - Ricciardo

However, Red Bull designer Adrian Newey points to another potential key difference between the power unit in the back of the RB14 and those which used by Mercedes and Ferrari.

"For us, the oil consumption per 100 litres is 0.1 litres," he revealed. "Mercedes and Ferrari go the limit of 0.6 litres."

Oil consumption was indeed a subject of discussion among observers this week in Barcelona, with the Scuderia's SF71-H setting off a smoke screen every time it left its garage.

Quizzed about the observation, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel dismissed any negative interpretation.

"That's not a problem," he said. "There are still some puzzles that we need to understand."

While Vettel was the fastest man around the Circuit de Catalunya this week, many still believe Mercedes holds a comfortable advantage over its rivals in race trim, estimated at one full second!

Valtteri Bottas is confident in the potential of the Silver Arrows W09, but denies an easy task awaits Mercedes in Australia at the end of the month.

"We are definitely not a second ahead of the others," he said on Friday.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.