Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo admits his team are still behind Mercedes, but has no doubt they can contend regularly for podium places.
Just like last year, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg's Mercedes are expected to dominate Formula One.
A group of three - which includes Ricciardo's Red Bull, Ferrari and Williams - are their nearest threats.
The Australian agreed with that assessment, and believes a couple of other teams may also contend later in the season.
"It looks pretty close in that group," Ricciardo told a media conference on Thursday.
"We'll see what happens on track, but it does look like the Mercs have a bit of pace again this year.
"For that last spot on the podium it looks pretty close between us, Ferrari and Williams. I'm sure there'll be a few other players coming into the mix."
Last year marked the end of Red Bull's dominance of four seasons, when Sebastian Vettel won four consecutive titles.
Chief technical officer Adrian Newey extended his contract but in an expanded role that will see him work on other projects.
But Ricciardo said Newey was still heavily involved, with Red Bull desperate to close the gap to Mercedes.
"The vibe is still good, still strong," he said.
"Adrian is here this weekend. I've been asked a little bit about him and how much he's stepped back.
"I don't want to put him in the spotlight, but he was at I think all the tests and he's here this weekend. Looks like he's already done more than he originally thought he would. I think he's still very much interested in the RB11.
"From what I can see, the team definitely wants to get back on top.
"Obviously it was an off year for their standards last year and I don't think we're too keen to let Mercedes get any further away."