Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is expecting a dog fight with Red Bull at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening race of Formula One's 2021 season.
Red Bull appears to be the car to beat at this stage of the season, a reversal of the last seven years of unmatched Mercedes dominance. Max Verstappen topped both of Friday's practice sessions.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both said the Mercedes had improved since testing at the same venue two weeks ago, but Wolff is sure Red Bull still leads the way.
"The night has fallen and the conditions haven't come towards us.