Nico Hulkenberg has admitted Force India’s preparation for 2015 is "not ideal".
Although the strongest rumours of unpaid suppliers and financial strife have been played down, the Silverstone based team’s 2015 car is yet to be seen.
And speculation says the 2014 car is only lapping at the Circuit de Catalunya this week because engine supplier Mercedes paid the bill so that its reserve Pascal Wehrlein had a car to drive.
German Hulkenberg is saying little about the reasons for the delay but he admits that it will "leave its mark on us in the first few races".
"Now we have to minimise the damage," he told Auto Motor und Sport.
"Fortunately, we have a Mercedes engine," Hulkenberg said.
He said the fact the 2014 car is running this week is crucial, as it gives the team data about this year’s Pirelli tyres.
"Understanding the tyre is one of our greatest strengths," said Hulkenberg, who is testing on Sunday.