Sutil expects huge step forward from Sauber before start of F1 season

The German struggled for grip during most of his running in Spain, but reckons that aerodynamic developments that are planned to appear from the next outing in Bahrain will help matters significantly.

"The test was for us more like a rollout," he explained. "We had not all the parts on the car so the spec was very, very different to how it will be for the race and also for Bahrain.

"In Bahrain we can start testing properly with better temperatures, with more race-type conditions and hopefully also with a whole new package on the car.

"I look forward to it, as this test was a big task for the car and the whole team. "

When asked how different he expected his car to be in its final Australian Grand Prix specification, Sutil said: "For us compared to here, it will be a huge step.

"I am hoping that we can move a few seconds in the right direction, but at the moment it is an estimate. We have to see how quick we can improve.

"From where we are right now it should just get better. There is a lot of downforce in the factory just lying there and, once we put the parts on, it should all come together."