Stefano Domenicali has said that he expects to see Ferrari near the frontrunners at the first Grand Prix of the 2013 Formula 1 season.

The Italian team has been stronger during pre-season testing this year than in 2012.

The team principal told Sky Sports News: "The situation at the moment seems to be alright, alright with the problems we have. We will soon know the exact situation, although not in Melbourne because that is only the first race.

"But my view, the target, is to be close to the leading car. I will be surprised if we are the leading car because with the stable rules we were not the quickest at the end [of last season].

"But if we are close together, within a couple of tenths, then with such a long season anything is possible. We need to make sure we are close to the best car, and then the team and the driver has to make the difference."

The final winter test takes place in Barcelona this week, allowing for final preparations for next month's Australian Grand Prix.