Mar.10 (GMM) According to Nick Heidfeld, there is a standout favourite for Sunday's 2010 world championship opener.

In the approach to the Bahrain grand prix, it has emerged that mere tenths separate the pace of the top four challengers also including Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes.

It is believed at the bottom of this pecking order at present is Mercedes, who intend to debut what the German press is calling a 'super diffuser' this weekend.

Presumably in the hands of test driver Heidfeld, a new front wing for the silver single seater was secretly debuted at an English airfield this week, the German daily Bild reports.

"The Red Bull is clearly the best car," the 32-year-old told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"It's almost frightening how easily Vettel and Webber are able to drive it at the limit," the veteran of 169 grands prix added.

He believes Red Bull were disguising the true pace of the Adrian Newey-penned RB6 throughout February by running "more fuel" than its rivals.

Meanwhile, while the general media gears up for Michael Schumacher's sensational return to the grid this weekend, it is very possible the seven time world champion will be outpaced by his 24-year-old teammate.

His manager Willi Weber said this week that Schumacher, 41, does not enjoy the W01's tendency to understeer, while team boss Ross Brawn said: "Nico (Rosberg) has felt a little better in the car (than Schumacher) in his test days."

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