Ferrari Can Challenge Mercedes This Year: Vettel

MELBOURNE — Mercedes are deserving favorites to win the Formula One championship again but Ferrari have a car that can challenge the Silver Arrows this year, four-times champion Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday.

Ferrari showed impressive pace during pre-season testing and are considered the team most likely to dethrone Mercedes, who have dominated the last two seasons.

Asked whether the Italian glamor team were strong enough to challenge for the title, German Vettel was forthright.

"I think we have," he told the pre-race media conference at Albert Park ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

"The question is whether we are ready in time. But we are making progress.

"And we have made…