Has Volkswagen got the edge over Mercedes in European Formula 3?

Although the current generation of F3 engines was homologated for the 2014 season, and lasts until the end of '19, engine builders are allowed concessions to modify their powerplants for reliability reasons.

Autosport understands that VW tuner Spiess, in the wake of several engine failures in 2016, was given such concessions in the period leading up to last November's Macau Grand Prix.

Since then, VW-engined cars have won six of the eight races contested by European F3 teams: two at the Macau Grand Prix, and two each in the opening two championship rounds this season at Silverstone and Monza.

Some Mercedes drivers are claiming that the VW modifications have also boosted performance, with one telling Autosport at Monza: "The VW's a lot quicker - close to double figures [on km/h] I think.

"It's all variable depending on what tow you've got, but they do have a bit of an advantage in that respect."

The VWs run by Carlin and Motopark are usually regarded as having a slight edge on top-end power anyway, meaning that Monza should play to the unit's strengths.

Also, average speed-trap figures from qualifying were inconclusive, although Mercedes drivers did report that it was very difficult to overtake VW cars in the races, or avoid being repassed by them.

Any further 'reliability' modifications from any engine builder would likely have to wait until after the European F3 season has finished, as engine changes automatically incur a 10-place grid penalty.

Mercedes runner Prema, which has scored one win at each of the opening two rounds of 2017 with Callum Ilott, played down any disadvantage.

Team boss Rene Rosin told Autosport: "We need to analyse our own job first before we make any conclusions.

"For sure Carlin [which has taken two wins with Lando Norris] have done a very good job, and Joel Eriksson [who has scored two victories with Motopark] is doing a very good job.

"There is a lot of playing around in the slipstream at Monza, and definitely if Callum had finished his lap in first qualifying [he ran wide at Lesmo] he would have been in the top two."

Rosin is confident that Mercedes will bounce back, especially on upcoming circuits that traditionally suit the engine.

"We've been working with Mercedes since 2006, and I have no doubt they can find a solution," he said, "but before that we will analyse our own performance."