Michael Schumacher has tipped Ferrari to bounce back this year and challenge once more for the world championship.
Formula One’s most successful driver looked a spent force last season as Ferrari’s grip on both titles slipped after five years of unbroken success.
But, after an unusually active winter testing schedule for the seven-times world champion, Schumacher is optimistic ahead of next week’s first race in Bahrain.
He told Autosport: "I think we’ll see a very close fight this year between three or four teams. I’m pretty optimistic we can be one of them along with Renault and Honda, I think. Whether we will win it, we’ll see, but we’ll be in it I think."
Former world champions Williams are also in buoyant form after completing their winter testing.
The new season starts next weekend in Bahrain — and after 42 days and 10,000 miles of testing, technical director Sam Michael is optimistic.
He said: "Everything has gone well with the mechanical and aerodynamic developments of the car, and we are ready to race. Now the big question that everyone is asking is — who is quick? Pace is notoriously difficult to judge during winter testing due to cars being at different stages of development and variable track temperatures having a big influence on performance.
"For the start of this season, however, our target is to put Williams back at the sharp end of the grid."
Williams suffered a disappointing final year of their partnership with BMW in 2005, ending up fifth in the constructors’ championship. However, a change to Cosworth engines and Bridgestone tyres has given the Grove-based team new-found confidence.