Red Bull’s Helmut Marko believes Renault’s power unit is slowly but surely bridging the gap with its rivals, and expects a boost from the French manufacturer early in the season.

Marko is banking on an upgrade after the first four  flyaway races in March and April, when the European season gets underway in  Spain.

“We are seeing encouraging signs that the gap to the leaders is gradually decreasing,” he told Germany’s motorsport-magazin.com.

“For the European part of the season we should be in good shape,” Marko added.

“From the point of view of speed, our engine should be at Ferrari’s level unless they make a big jump, although we have not yet reached the level of Mercedes.

“However, the gap is no longer so great that we can talk about having no chance,” said the Austrian.

In addition to Red Bull, where the manufacturers’ engines are branded Tag Heuer, Renault shall also supply Toro Rosso, and its own works team of course.

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