Anglo-Russian team Marussia are confident that their new upgrades to the MR-01 will help them reel in their immediate competitors, after a productive three day test at Mugello. The aerodynamic update to the car will hopefully propel to the teams forwards, as other teams will undoubtedly have improved as well.
Marussia have had a relatively successful start to the 2012 season, with only one retirement in four races. This occurred when Charles Pic unfortunately retired from the Bahrain Grand Prix with engine related issues. That aside, Marussia have progressed greatly since the opening four races of the season, with the team failing to take part in any pre-season activities except a quick shakedown of the new car at Silverstone.
“I am looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix and the start of the European season.” Explained Timo Glock, “After the tests in Mugello I think we have a good baseline for Barcelona and now we need to see what the new parts we have will bring. I hope they make a difference and we can be a bit closer to the guys in front of us. I am looking forward to the race weekend again.”
Having raced for Marussia since the teams inaugural season in 2010, Timo Glock has raced at the Circuit de Catalunya in every season since 2008 when he raced for Toyota. During this period his best finish around the track was only 10th in 2009, a season which saw him finish on the podium twice. His team-mate, French rookie Charles Pic, has also raced at the Circuit de Catalunya before however only in GP2. Pic has won on the track twice in his GP2 career, in two consecutive years.
“We have a good update and the car feels positive, so if we can make it work at Barcelona, I think we can continue to be strong at the other circuits.” Said Charles Pic, “The Circuit de Catalunya is a track I know well; I have raced here a few times now. I am feeling good about the direction we are heading in and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
Although Marussia are confident ahead of this weekends Spanish Grand Prix, it’s a known fact that the majority of the other teams on the grid will be introducing similar upgrades. This means the battle towards the rear of the order can only get more competitive as the season wears on.
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