Ferrari's prancing horses still have the edge over Mercedes

A GPS data-based study has concluded that Ferrari still has the upper hand over arch-rival Mercedes when it comes to horse power, while Renault and Honda remain clear laggards.

F1 manufacturers regularly conduct their own analysis of rivals' engine performance, using GPS data, photos and all sorts of trackside measurements and evaluations to extrapolate numbers and ultimately determine where everyone stands in terms of internal combustion engine power.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport was recently given access to one of the manufacturer's studies. According to the report, Ferrari's output in qualifying is approximately 790 bhp, an estimation that surpasses Mercedesengine power by about 10 bhp.

• FIA ordered Ferrari to stop camera-cooling antics

In race mode however, the two manufacturers are pretty much on the same level, at least until Ferrari's hybrid component kicks in and delivers once again an edge to the Scuderia's SF71-H.

The Italian team's twin-battery arrangement associated with its energy recovery system has been the subject of much speculation and intrigue this season, but close scrutiny from the FIA revealed the system's legality.

According to AMUS, Renault and Honda are still way behind their front-running rivals, with the French manufacture's latest C-Spec until - only used up to now by Red Bull - delivering just 730 bhp, while its B-Spec produces 710 bhp.

Honda's progress this season - both in terms of performance and reliability - has brought its engine up to 715 bhp, a number that actually exceeds Renault's B-Spec unit.

However, the Japanese manufacturer has been hard at work lately, and could introduce in time for the US Grand Prix a Spec-3 engine worth a hefty 750 bhp.

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