MELBOURNE, Australia - Sebastian Vettel has a warning for those already writing off his chances of a fifth-consecutive Formula One title — the season is long and the teams current engine problems wont last. Milwaukee Brewers Gear . The Red Bull driver has experienced a troubled off-season, with the team severely restricted in its testing because engine supplier Renault suffered a myriad of problems trying to make the sports new six-cylinder turbo hybrid powertrain function in anything approaching a reliable fashion. While Vettel acknowledged that Mercedes will be the team to beat in this weekends season-opening race in Australia — and Red Bull will likely be off the pace in early races — he was adamant another title was within his reach, even if it was not in the imperious style of 2013 when he won the last nine races. "We are not in the best position for this race, but its a different story when you talk about the championship," Vettel said Thursday. Vettel did not have far to look for inspiration about how to overcome early-season difficulties as he was speaking while sitting beside Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, who found himself in a similar predicament in 2012. "Two years back Fernando was on the grid with 1.5 seconds to pole, and very close to beating us for the title at the very last race, so anything can happen," Vettel said. "We are a strong team. We have a lot of good people on board with a lot of strong resources. We should progress as the season goes on." Red Bull was not alone in suffering severe problems in the off-season. While the ongoing troubles are expected to particularly afflict the Renault-powered cars in the early races, all teams will be anxious heading into this Fridays practice sessions. The new computer-controlled engines must balance the power supply between the combustion engine, turbo charger, and the battery-stored electric power — the role of which is vastly greater than in previous years. Added to that is the need to reduce fuel use by about a third on last year to meet new rules, understand the altered aerodynamics and get used to new tires. Little wonder that F1 officials have relaxed the curfew restricting how many hours engineers and crew can spend in pit lane working on the cars. Some bleak forecasters are even predicting there will not be enough finishers on Sunday to fill the ten points positions, and race director Charlie Whiting on Thursday was asked questions about the contingency plans if no cars are running. Simple answer - the race will be stopped. While such doomsday scenarios are very unlikely, there was a strong possibility of several cars not getting within seven per cent of the pole sitters qualifying time and therefore being excluded from the race. Stewards have always had some discretion to exempt teams from that rule and Whiting said that Melbournes stewards will look upon such scenarios in Melbourne "very sympathetically." The men considered most likely to vie for that that pole-sitting yardstick are the Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg who, in contrast to most drivers, had enjoyed smooth and impressive testing sessions. The Mercedes drivers are old colleagues from their childhood days, and Hamilton said their friendship will not be tarnished if they end up fighting each other for race wins and perhaps even the championship as many expect. "It (the relationship) will be the same at the start as at the end," Hamilton said. "We have been racing together since we were 13. This is a stronger championship but I dont see any issues." Brewers Jerseys China . "Im going to send Webbie a six-pack (of beer) tonight," she said. Webb wasnt sure that would help. "Ill probably drink one and go to sleep," the Australian veteran said. The two players set up a Sunday showdown between former HSBC champions after finishing off their third rounds with identical birdies over three of the last five holes Saturday to separate themselves slightly from the rest of the crowded leaderboard. Milwaukee Brewers Store . Kyle Shanahan was hired as offensive co-ordinator Monday after spending the previous four years in the same role with the Washington Redskins. https://www.cheapbrewers.com/ .Y. - OK, it is done.DENVER - Kenneth Faried had 20 points and Aaron Brooks hit four straight free throws in the final 12 seconds, helping the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets hold off the Washington Wizards 105-102 on Sunday night. Randy Foye added 17 for a Nuggets team that was missing J.J. Hickson, who suffered torn ligament in his right knee on Friday. Wilson Chandler also didnt play (strained left hip) and Jan Vesely didnt return after bruising his rib cage late in the third quarter. Bradley Beal wound up with 21 points as the Wizards wrapped up a four-game road swing with a 1-3 record. Trevor Ariza scored 15 of his 18 points in the first quarter and John Wall added 15, but also had eight turnovers. Evan Fourniers floating jumper with 7:36 remaining started a 7-0 run to give the Nuggets a 91-84 lead, which they wouldnt relinquish. Wall struggled down the stretch, turning the ball over twice in the five minutes on offensive charges. But Wall had a steal and a layup with 12.6 seconds remaining to cut Denvers lead to 99-97. Brooks then stepped up to the line and hit two free throws. Beal followed with a dunk when the Nuggets fell asleep on an in-bounds pass with 10.7 seconds remaining. Brooks was then fouled and hit two more free throws to seal Denvers fifth straight home win. The Wizards led by as many as 14 points in the first half, only to squander it away. Ariza put the Wizards up 49-47 at halftime when he hit a 20-footer as the buzzer sounded. Hickson was the latest player to be lost by the Nuggets. Wholesale Brewers Jerseys. They were already without Danilo Gallinari (left ACL), JaVale McGee (broken tibia) and Nate Robinson (left ACL), who all have undergone season-ending operations. Vesely was having one of his best games of the season, before leaving the court late in the third quarter with a bruised rib cage. He had 10 points in 15 minutes. Andre Miller made his return to the Pepsi Center for the first time since New Years Day, when he got into an on-court confrontation with former coach Brian Shaw. Miller, now a backup guard with the Wizards, was originally suspended by the Nuggets, but it was later rescinded. Miller stayed away from the squad until he was dealt to the Wizards on Feb. 20. Both Miller and Shaw said before the game theyve moved on from the incident. To show it, they shook hands when Miller entered the game to start the second quarter. "Im sure both of us didnt take this personal," Shaw said. "Its unfortunate that it had to happen and neither one of us wanted that to happen but I dont have a problem with him. I have the most respect for Andre Miller." NOTES: Miller had two points in his return. ... Denvers bench scored 52 points. Darrell Arthur led the way with 15. ... Asked about the mounting injuries before the game, Shaw said: "I hope its karma in reverse and that all of the bad stuff is out of the way this year and everything will be uphill from here on out." ' ' '