The message coming out of the first Formula 1 pre-season test was as clear as it gets at this time of year – Ferrari are a step ahead of the field, and world champions Mercedes have some catching up to do.
The Ferrari was quick every time it went out, got down to fast times with apparent ease, looked comfortable to drive and responsive out on the track, and was reliable.
Although things at Mercedes improved considerably on the final day, their times were not coming as easily or frequently.
That was the feeling even before Mercedes’ drivers began to talk to the media, and when they did, they backed it up.