British team McLaren believe they can derail the Sebsatian Vettel Red Bull express after a points-laden performance in the Australian Grand Prix season opener on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, and Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, finished second and sixth behind the tearaway Vettel to give McLaren a solid platform from which to build for the season ahead.

While reigning world champion Vettel was clearly superior, Hamilton was enthused about McLaren's chances of challenging for the title this year.

"It's rare to see in Formula One such a big leap in performance and I feel privileged to have finished second," he said. "We're back in the fight and we're only a few points behind the guy who has a much faster car.

"But we'll close that gap, I have no doubts about that and we clearly showed today after our first stint that we can compete with them in the race if we can get up front in the race and apply some pressure.

"The car felt fantastic, really nice to drive, and I was able to look after my tires throughout the race.

"To be able to apply pressure to Sebastian so soon into the season was massively encouraging too."

Agence France-Presse