Suspicious Marko believes Ferrari used maximum power in FP2

©Ferrari

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Many believe Ferrari's performance on the opening day of practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix put to rest suspicions about the Scuderia's engine power, but Red Bull's Helmut Marko still has his doubts.

Two technical directives recently published by the FIA addressed, and outlawed, potential ploys that could be exploited to increase engine power.

The TDs, the first of which was issued in Austin and was a response to a query from Red Bull, were rumored to be aimed at Ferrari, whose rivals have been scratching their head about the boost in straight-line speed and power of the Scuderia's cars since last summer.

Coincidently - or not for some - the US Grand Prix saw a dip of form for the Italian outfit, an underperformance that only increased speculation about Ferrari's use before Austin of a special technical stratagem that boosted its engine power.

Vettel adamant Ferrari 'didn't lose any engine power'

However, the team's performance in FP2 - in which Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc led the field - appeared to indicate that despite the FIA's intervention, Ferrari's power was still very much alive and well.

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Ferrari held a 0.7s advantage over Red Bull in terms of straightline speed in Brazil and an even greater edge over Mercedes.

The data led Marko to believe that Ferrari, contrary to its rivals, had run its engines in full power mode in FP2 in order to pretend that its output was unaffected by the governing body's recent technical rulings.

"If I were Ferrari, I would do anything to drive away from the others on the straight," the Austrian said, quoted by AMUS.

"Otherwise, everyone believes that they are cheating. It will be interesting to see what it will be like on Saturday."

Since Spa, Ferrari has only been defeated twice in qualifying: in Mexico where Max Verstappen secured pole, although the Dutchman eventually saw his time deleted for a yellow flag infringement, and in Austin last time out.

Stay tuned for likely more comments and innuendo on Ferrari after qualifying at Interlagos...

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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.