Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has suggested that the renewed challenge at the front of the Formula 1 grid from Ferrari is just what the sport needed.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has recently called for F1 bosses to rein in Mercedes's engine supremacy, a call that appeared to be backed by Bernie Ecclestone.

However, Wolff claims that the resurgence of the Scuderia, including a recent victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix for Sebastian Vettel, is exactly what Ecclestone and fans want.

"For the commercial rights holder it's important not to have one team running away with the championship," Wolff is quoted by F1i as saying.

"And having close battles for the lead, because utmost a battle for the lead is what's interesting for the spectators.

"And we've had more of that. Two teams fighting with the knife between the teeth for victory."

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won Sunday's Bahrain GP from Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.