McLaren struggling to match rivals in Hungary

The Hungarian grand prix looks set to be a fight between Red Bull and Ferrari.

Championship leaders McLaren were more than a second off the pace during Friday practice at the twisty Hungaroring.

"We’re losing quite a bit of time in the middle sector, and a couple of tenths in the first and third sectors, too," admitted Lewis Hamilton.

Red Bull were untouchable in the morning, and easily fastest again in the afternoon, but Sebastian Vettel said he expects a strong challenge from Ferrari.

"On the long runs, the times were quite similar," said the German.

Hockenheim winner Fernando Alonso, second fastest in the afternoon but with a half-second deficit to Vettel, agreed.

"We are confident the difference is not as big as it seems, but obviously they (Red Bull) seem stronger than Hockenheim in a way," said the Ferrari driver.

And Mark Webber is not ruling out the McLarens.

"We shouldn’t forget them; they have proven many times this year that they can make a step forward from Friday to Saturday," said the Australian.