Ricciardo sees front-running trio split by just 0.5s

There's no doubt F1's usual suspects - Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull - will head the field at the outset in Melbourne, but Daniel Ricciardo sees a 0.5s gap between the trio.

After demonstrating their pace on long runs in pre-season testing, while keeping a low profile on the short runs, Mercedes is generally viewed as enjoying an upper hand over its rivals.

Ricciardo however believes the group could be set for a battle royal this weekend in Melbourne when everyone unleashes their full potential.

"If I'm just talking top three, I'd love to say we are all within half a second," said the Aussie when asked by Formula1.com to assess the performance gap between the top three.

"I think that's still being quite conservative but realistically, if it leaves six cars within half a second, it's looking alright. I'd like to think that's as big as the gap is going to be spread.

• Webber says Ricciardo 'is on a tight rope'

"I don't know where we stand with Ferrari. I think we are close. I couldn't tell you if we are a tenth quicker or they are," he added.

"But Mercedes kept a bit under wraps at testing so I don't want to say we are out of it before it begins, but I think on real pace the Mercedes is still ahead of the Ferrari and Red Bull.

"I don't know if we are just behind them or just behind Ferrari."

Red Bull is determined to avoid the typical trend which has guided its performance in the last few seasons, when it started slow and only extracted the potential of its charger at the mid-season point.

To correct this, the Milton Keyens-based outfit's design department went to the drawing board early in an effort to put together a package which would hit the ground running when its 2018 campaign licks off.

So far so good, says the Honey Badger.

"We had got the filming day done, we got the car running and got it on track and then had a week before testing to get a few niggles out and yeah, day one, we did over 100 laps," he said speaking at a media event for Red Bull sponsor Mobil1.

"I'd like to think that was the reason. The team was a bit more proactive this year and a bit less greedy going to the last minute.

"We are coming to Melbourne a lot more prepared than we have been in previous years. We have to use that to our advantage.

"If both cars can get strong points finishes this weekend, and by that I mean the podium, I think that will send out a strong statement to Mercedes and Ferrari."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter