w how difficult it was to crack them. By hook or crook we got away with

Mercedes chief designer Aldo Costa says it is inevitable power unit performance will even out between manufacturers in the next few years.When the current V6 turbo regulations were introduced in 2014, Mercedes stole a march on its competition and still holds a sizeable advantage over Renault and Honda. Ferrari has closed the gap considerably in the last two years and Costa believes it is only a matter of time before all four manufacturers are capable of delivering similar performance.We have seen the situation was converging in this last three years and we see a lot of activity from the competitors, he said. We think they are closer and closer and we are in a situation where the difference between powertrains is effectively less and less. We think it will still carry on because the formula is a fixed formula and it is inevitable it will have this situation, so yeah, we are going in the correct direction.Earlier this year a new engine agreement was reached with the FIA to keep the same power units until 2020 and encourage performance convergence between manufacturers. Under the agreement, the controversial engine token system will be ditched next year -- effectively lifting restrictions on performance upgrades -- and restrictions on the materials and minimum weights of certain components should prevent excessive development in niche areas.Ferraris new chief technical officer Mattia Binotto, who oversaw the power unit side of the team until his recent promotion, believes it is already hard to distinguish whether Mercedes advantage is actually a result of its power unit or its chassis.Performance-wise, [engine] manufacturers are converging. I think that when youre at a certain stage of convergence it becomes even difficult to split the affect from powertrain to chassis and aero. I think that it means so far, at the moment, we are really close and the difference is not any more as it was in the past.DJ Moore Panthers Jersey . -- Patrick Reed got an early start in golf. Curtis Samuel Womens Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have placed centre Cody Hodgson on injured reserve and recalled two players from their AHL affiliate in Rochester. http://www.shoppanthersonline.us/panthers-luke-kuechly-blue-jersey/ . The giant slalom world champion slipped during her first run in the morning, landing on her back and then twisting forward before getting her leg caught in the protective material on the side of the slope. Will Grier Youth Jersey . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. Greg Olsen Jersey . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night.South Africas backroom staff believe Irelands stunning win over New Zealand in Chicago offers a blueprint for victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday.Springboks forwards coach Matt Proudfoot hailed Ireland a damn good side in the wake of their 40-29 win over the All Blacks at Soldier Field.Ireland claimed their maiden triumph over New Zealand in 111 years -- and now Proudfoot wants South Africa to harness that as motivation ahead of facing England this weekend.The Springboks are in turmoil after four defeats in six in a lacklustre Rugby Championship, while England are targeting a perfect run of wins in 2016.Asked if Ireland proved anyone is beatable by ending New Zealands record 18-match winning streak, Proudfoot replied: Correct, and I think the key there is the Irish had a very sound plan and executed it very well.Their line-speed was tremendous and they took the All Blacks on where the All Blacks wanted to play, and nullified them as well.I thought the kicking game of the half-backs was exceptional as well, and that forced the All Blacks to play from very deep.And just the intensity of the Irish side is what youve got to have in Test match rugby.You hear every week weve got to turn up, its a common cliche thrown about but that is the epitome of Test match rugby.If you turn up with that intensity thats right there, then yes you can beat anybody.Bryan Habana shook off any fitness doubts ahead of the England clash by taking full part in Tuesdays training session. Head coach Eddie Jones has transformed England since taking over following their pool-stage World Cup exit, leading his side to a maiden series victory in Australia in June.Englaand boast a 10-match winning run, with nine of those under Jones stewardship.dddddddddddd A clean sweep across the four autumn internationals would equal Englands all-time winning streak, recorded under Sir Clive Woodward in 2003.Ireland ended New Zealands tier-one winning record at 18 victories with that superb triumph in the United States Field -- but Proudfoot insisted the Springboks were not surprised by the result.Ireland claimed their first-ever win over South Africa in June, and made their mark on their hosts despite eventually slipping to a 2-1 series defeat.Any competitions great for a game. It doesnt matter what sport youre talking about, Proudfoot said.I dont think we were surprised.We know how tough they were in June, particularly around their defensive alignment, their defensive breakdown and how they tend to smother you.We knew how difficult it was to crack them. By hook or crook we got away with it in June -- being at home, being at altitude maybe gave us a bit of an advantage but we knew how tough they were.So were not surprised. I listened to the comments of [All Blacks head coach] Steve Hansen afterwards and I echo them. He was complimentary of what Ireland are doing, and thats what you get when you get that alignment.If youve got 23 players who are all seeing the same picture on the field and executing that, thats when you get a great result.And thats what the Irish did.So theyve been setting up for that victory for a long time and planning for it and processing for it. And theyre a damn good side. ' ' '