Mercedes working to catch Ferrari on race starts

Apr.2 (GMM) In one area at least, Mercedes is working hard to catch up with Ferrari.

The Maranello team's strong challenge to the dominant world champions in Melbourne was significantly boosted when both silver Mercedes were overtaken at the start.

The technical rules have changed for 2016, with drivers now allowed only one clutch lever rather than the more accurate two.

"It's more of a challenge this year," Melbourne winner Nico Rosberg admitted in Bahrain. "It's made it more difficult and it's definitely an area we are focusing on a lot."

When asked about Australia, the German told Auto Bild: "My start was ok, Sebastian (Vettel) and Kimi (Raikkonen)'s were just great."

The report said Ferrari's head-start is in the area of engine management, in collaboration with electronics partner Magneti Marelli.

Lewis Hamilton commented: "Already in the second half of last year Ferrari was making very good starts. So it needs to be right at the top of our list to ensure they aren't getting better starts all the time."