Virgin needs to step up in order to avoid falling to the very back of the grid, Timo Glock has warned.
Already frustrated with the pace of the MVR02, the German driver said he hopes a major new package designed by Nick Wirth for May’s Turkish grand prix delivers two seconds per lap.
"That’s what we need," said Glock, referring to the gap to the next-best team, Lotus.
Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport said the Istanbul package includes a higher nose, a new floor and Red Bull-like exhaust, modified rear suspension and new wings.
"If we don’t go forward, soon HRT will get us," warned Glock.
He said the situation at present is lonely, given the big gap to Lotus and an advantage over the Hispania cars.
And it is expected that Lotus could speed even further ahead in Turkey when an all-new power steering system is added to the T128.
"At the beginning I am able to keep up with Lotus but after a few laps I can’t hold them. We are simply two seconds too slow," said Glock.