Horner: 'Mercedes still favourites for 2017 despite reset'

Despite next year's big regulation changes , Red Bull's Christian Horner isn't so sure the overall reset will disrupt the order or take much away from Mercedes' current dominance.

Formula 1's 2017 aerodynamic revamp, with wider cars and tyres, and the ability for power unit suppliers to development engines without the limitations of the current token system, will hopefully lessen the predictability which  has dominated the sport in the past couple of years.

While he is hopeful the hierarchy at the head of the grid will be disputed, Horner believes Mercedes must still be considered as outright favourites.

"I think it’s going to be tough to overcome Mercedes, they will go into next year as the clear favourites," said Horner at Red Bull's media event in Abu Dhabi.

"We’re hopeful with the new regulations, it should balance out the emphasis between chassis and engine. We’re confident we should make a bit of progress over the winter with the engine.

"The regulations are a clean sheet of paper for everybody. You don’t know where you sit at the moment compared to your opposition. It’s an opportunity or it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.

"It’s only really when we get to Melbourne that we’ll get a glimpse of where the competitive ranking is. But for sure, Mercedes will be going in as the firm favourites.

"It will be a new experience for Mercedes, when they do come under pressure, which inevitably will happen at some stage. I just hope it is Red Bull that is able to put them under pressure.

"We’re just hopeful we can close that gap so we don’t have predictable results every grand prix weekend. "

Red Bull has always been particularly strong in the aerodynamic department, thanks in no small part to the genius of design guru Adrian Newey. With next year's changes comes opportunity insists Horner.

"The regulations aren’t quite as dramatic as they were from 08 to 09. But they still represent a great opportunity to make the cars significantly quicker.

"With the tyre profile and size that they are moving to, it’s a different challenge. It’s going to be a development race next year for sure.

"There will be easy gains at the beginning of any development cycle. That relentless pursuit of chasing upgrades will be a key part of certainly next year. "

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