Ferrari close to joining Mercedes on 1000bhp

Journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini has revealed that the Prancing Horse will likely create a power unite capable of 1000bhp soon and subsequently join Mercedes on this milestone, as they look to break the current monopoly of the Silver Arrows in the constructor championship.

In December, engine expert Andy Cowell claimed that Mercedes were only 50bhp away from the 1000bhp target - a target they have since achieved. This comes in conjunction with the team winning their fourth constructor's title in a row, so they are certainly the team to beat in 2018.

Turrini has revealed that Ferrari are currently only15bhp away from the milestone as they look to match Mercedes.

"A huge effort has been made to put the power unit on a diet," Turrini wrote in his Quotidiano blog.

"One of Mercedes' advantages was the lower weight of the overall package, but Ferrari has been successful in its mission. On the test bench, 1000hp has already been seen at maximum peak power, even if Mercedes has already been there."

The Italian journalist thinks that everyone will need to wait and see whether the new engine is capable of competing with Mercedes during upcoming testing in Barcelona, but initial signs are promising.

"On the aerodynamic side, tunnel data shows an important step, although it will only be possible to understand more at the first Barcelona tests," he said.

"But it's good to dream."