Ferrari's 2016 struggles masked “massive step forward” - Vettel

The German and teammate Kimi Raikkonen were the two fastest drivers in single lap terms over the two weeks of Barcelona running.

And although the team has been eager to play things down after promising too much last year, Vettel has made it clear that Ferrari is stronger and in improved shape compared to 12 months ago.

“I think we are better prepared than last year, we did more laps,” he said in Barcelona. “I think overall the team is in a better shape. I think we learned a lot from last year, and I think last year was the most important year for us.

“Even if you look at the results, you say it was not such a successful one, but I think what happened in the background was really, really important to make a step forward, and hopefully we’ve done that. But I don’t think we’ll get a proof or have a real idea until Melbourne or the first couple of races.”

Elaborating on what the team gained from 2016, he added: “I think last year we learned a lot of lessons, the whole organisation, the whole team has grown. I think it was the most important year.

“Obviously ‘15 was a great year to start for myself, for the team to restart the mission to win. ‘16 was a step back in terms of results, but I think a massive step forward in terms of organisation.

“I think it’s coming together and step-by-step we need to be patient, but when the team starts to work well, one day we will see the results. How soon, I don’t know. But obviously it’s clear what we are here to achieve.”

Vettel has been adamant throughout winter testing that Ferrari should not be considered as favourites, insisting that Mercedes remains the team to beat.

“I think if we can be fighting for the podium in Melbourne it would be great. But that’s far, far away. I think obviously in terms of time it’s not that far away, but we still have a lot to learn, a lot to do. I think we are starting to grow together more and more.

“It’s not a surprise, if you win three world championships in a row as a team, then it’s clear who is the favourite, rule changes or not. I think they have good people and a working team, so they are the ones to beat.

“Right now it doesn’t matter if we are the fastest here, you gain no points for that. I think people look at the time sheet, at the end of the day of course it’s important to be somewhere up there, but there’s nothing to win from that.

“Our target is obviously to go through our programme, go through our stuff. We’re a little bit behind but we’re making progress, the car is making sense, the numbers are making sense. Let’s see where we can be.”