Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari F1 car will be strong everywhere

Ferrari has made a huge step forward this season both in terms of engine power and chassis gains and it is comfortably the closest challenger to Mercedes.

But after a strong start to the year, the highlight being Vettel's win in Malaysia, Ferrari dropped back in Spain, despite introducing a big update to the car.

However, Vettel insists the Ferrari is strong in both high and low-speed corners, adding that its poor performance in Barcelona's tight final sector was merely a blip.

"We have broken all the statistics so far and if we can keep doing that, we will be happy," said Vettel.

"I think we have a car that is generally working everywhere - in high speed sections and also twisty sections.

"It is true in Barcelona, in the last sector [pictured], we were not so competitive but I still think we made a step forward.

"We underperformed rather than there being something wrong with the car.

"I'm confident that it is the right way to go and we are keeping the parts for the race here and trying to understand as much as possible."

Although Vettel says it's too early to consider Ferrari a title contender, he believes the team has caused a surprise with its rate of progress.

"We need to make sure we start finishing ahead of Mercedes to talk about the championship," said the four-time world champion.

"We have surprised a lot of people being where we are now. Ferrari has made the biggest step.

"Our ambition is to be champions but we have to be realistic and not forget where you are coming from."