I initially had that problem too when i first ran that mission, until i started paying closer attention to my RPMs. During the course of just one mission i went from "i can't catch him" to running him down with ease and i wasn't even using WEP. I was running 1.3-1.35 Ata the whole time, staying within the engine limits.
The thing with the 109 is that you constantly have to work the pitch/RPMs depending on what you are doing.
It's like driving a manual transmission car, high RPM corresponds to low gears and low RPM corresponds to high gears:
Use high RPM for climbing, accelerating from a low initial speed,reducing speed in a dive (this last one with low or idle throttle, otherwise you'll exceed the RPM limits) and faster, more "nervous" response to throttle changes.
This is why take-offs and landings are done with fine pitch, it can keep your speed down on the descend and also give you the needed acceleration during take-off or a go-around. It's like going downhill in your car, down-shifting and relaxing the pressure on the gas pedal to stop your speed from increasing too much, then accelerating to climb the next hill.
Use lower RPM for fuel efficiency during cruise, accelerating in a dive and attaining your top speed. For example, trim for level flight and once the aircraft settles down wait until your airspeed stops increasing. Then lower the RPM a bit and you'll see the aircraft wants to climb, if you trim this climb out you get a bit more speed. If you repeat this process 2-3 times you'll get a higher airspeed for less fuel, as long as you don't start climbing steeply.
It's like driving on the highway and once you hit 100km/h you shift from 4th to 5th gear.
Radiator management and trim/manual rudder to counter slipping are equally important but easier to get right through practice and habit.
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