Feb.11 (GMM) After the first tests of the 2011 winter, Nico Hulkenberg is convinced that Red Bull and Ferrari will once again be the title contenders.

"If you look at them, you know: they are clearly ahead of the rest of the field," the Force India reserve driver, who has been present both at Valencia and again at Jerez this week, told Germany's Auto Bild Motorsport.

Mercedes racer Nico Rosberg admitted that he took notice at Valencia last week when the reigning champions Red Bull rolled out their car with pace and reliability.

"I thought 'This car has been testing somewhere else'. If not, then they are a step ahead of us," admitted the German.

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