Ecclestone: I hope Ferrari will get back to where it should be

Ahead of the 2016 world championship opener in Melbourne, F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has revealed he is hoping that Ferrari have got their act together and will challenge Mercedes for the title.

Speaking on the official Australian Grand Prix podcast, Ecclestone said, "I'm hoping upon hope that Ferrari will get back to where it should be, which will be challenging for the world championship, and the same with Red Bull."

"I think if they really don't sort of show that they can win the championship we're going to unfortunately, or fortunately depending on where you are, have Mercedes dominating again."

"But having said that, Nico [Rosberg] after three wins at the end of last year, maybe he's going to be in form. If those two [Mercedes drivers] are challenging each other it would be good.

"Maybe [Rosberg} has got a bit more confidence in himself, let's see. I haven't got any predictions, a lot of hopes, but I wouldn't like to put my money on who's going to do what."