Wolff predicts a difficult race for Mercedes

Toto Wolff believes that the Spanish Grand Prix will be a huge challenge for Mercedes, despite locking out the front row in qualifying. The Silver Arrows claimed the top two spots in qualifying on Saturday for the first time this year.

However, looking at the long run pace figures from Friday practice, Wolff thinks that both Ferrari and Red Bull will be close behind. Both Ferrari's line-up on the grid behind the Mercedes' on the second row, while the Red Bull duo occupy row three.

"That was a fantastic qualifying session from both drivers and from the team as a whole – and a well-deserved front row. The aerodynamic upgrades we brought to this race are working well and the competition between Lewis and Valtteri is incredibly close – and we can feel that driving us forward at each race weekend.

"Although the gaps in practice looked to be in our favour, we knew that things would close up in qualifying and that proved to be the case. But the guys stayed calm, made the right calls and delivered when it mattered.

"Now, we need to turn our attention to the race and the challenges it brings; on the long runs yesterday, Ferrari were very competitive and Red Bull particularly strong, so we know it will be a hard-fought Grand Prix. First, we need to win the start and maintain our positions – and then maximize our opportunities tomorrow as they come."