Mercedes' advantage is 25 horsepower

(GMM) McLaren's 2008 car is now benefiting from the superior performance of its Mercedes-Benz engine, according to the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

The report claims that recent chassis improvements, including the Honda and BMW Sauber-like nose wings that debuted in Hungary, are allowing the car to perform more efficiently through the air.

Rival teams believe Mercedes' V8 engine is producing about 25 horsepower more than any other 2.4 liter unit on the grid.

"If those numbers are right, then an advantage of 25 horsepower with the same air resistance brings a benefit of four tenths (per lap)," BMW's technical chief Willy Rampf commented.

McLaren's MP4-23 has won the last three grands prix.