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Ferrari Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel believes Mercedes is enjoying a bigger advantage than usual at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton fought an exclusive battle for pole position at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, with Vettel a distant third in the lead Ferrari.

Vettel felt after Friday's free practice running that Ferrari had failed to make up any ground on Mercedes since the Bahrain Grand Prix, but following qualifying he took it one step further to suggest that the difference between the two teams has increased.

"The gap is probably a bit bigger than it was the last couple of races," said Vettel.

"I don't think it is down to one thing only because we are struggling a bit more this weekend."

For this race the teams are using the same Pirelli tyre compounds as in Malaysia - hard and medium - where Vettel gave Ferrari its first win for almost two years.

While temperatures are again hot - although not like the searing heat as at Sepang - Vettel does not see the rubber working to his team's advantage on this occasion.

"Yes, the same tyres is correct, but it's a different weekend, a different circuit as well," he said.

"Potentially the tyres are not working as well as they did in Malaysia, so it looks like Mercedes has an edge.

"We would love to be a little closer. Being realistic they are quick.

"They are not on the first row by chance as they showed every single session this weekend they are competitive with either tyre.

"We should still be in good shape for tomorrow, and I hope for a good race, but you have to say those two guys did a very good job.

"I hope tomorrow we can be a bit closer, that it's going to be better in the race, but we will have to see how true the gap is that is there now."