Aug.10 (GMM) McLaren is still the favourite to win the 2008 world championship, BMW-Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld thinks.

The 31-year-old German, whose Swiss based employer had a notably bad outing in Hungary recently, is unconvinced Ferrari really closed the gap on Mercedes-powered rivals McLaren at the circuit near Budapest.

After Lewis Hamilton dominated the pre-race proceedings at the Hungaroring, Ferrari's Felipe Massa leapt into the lead on Sunday and would have recorded an inspired win if not for a late engine failure.

"But in my opinion McLaren is clearly the strongest team," Heidfeld, a veteran of approaching 150 grands prix, told the Credit Suisse emagazine.

"Lewis also had a bit of bad luck (in Hungary). McLaren is the favourite," the German added.