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'Underdog' Mercedes expecting 'ping-pong' battle with Ferrari in 2017

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has labelled his team the "underdog" in the "ping-pong" battle he is expecting with Ferrari for the remainder of the 2017 season.

Lewis Hamilton took Mercedes back to the top step of the podium in China after Sebastian Vettel won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix for Ferrari. After two races the pair are level on points in the drivers' championship and Mercedes holds a narrow lead in the constructors'.

Wolff says it is clear that the two teams are very closely matched on pace.

"China was a great way to hit back in the battle with Ferrari," Wolff said.