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Mercedes believes Ferrari is going to be "dangerous" in the Bahrain Grand Prix, based on the Formula 1 free practice sessions on Friday.

Nico Rosberg led Lewis Hamilton in a one-two in second practice for the world champion team, with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen half a second back in third.

But neither team had a particularly clear run on the soft tyre, and both Mercedes drivers said after the session that Ferrari will be a big threat this weekend.

"In the evening we learned that we are very quick on one lap again and that Ferrari is very dangerous to us on a long run," said Rosberg.

"They have serious pace, it looks like they are a genuine threat."

Hamilton added: "They are going to be very close.

"From what I can see they look good on the long runs as well."

Practice two pacesetter Rosberg added that Friday's first session, run in daylight, was "pointless".

Mercedes did not bother trying to set fast times and finished the session 15th and 16th.

"Lunchtime was a bit useless because it was so hot and the race is in the evening," said Rosberg.

"We didn't learn very much - that's why this evening was very valuable.

"The pace of Ferrari is very worrying. In the race [trim] they were quick."