Spyker plan big aero update for Malaysia

The Ferrari-powered squad admit they face a battle to escape the final positions at next weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, but Gascoyne is adamant the team can close to the gap as the season progresses.

Gascoyne also admitted Spyker's goal for the first race of 2007 is just to see the chequered flag.

"After a long winter of testing and development, it's always exciting to be get out again at the first Grand Prix of the season," said Gascoyne in a team preview.

"From our point of view, testing went very well, the car is reliable and did not demonstrate any mechanical problems, the cooling is well under control and we really can be optimistic about the coming year.

"Performance-wise, we've always said we were going to be at the back of the grid, but we feel we'll be pretty close to the group in front of us now.

"For Malaysia too we're expecting a significant aero update, so for Australia the goal is to get both cars to the finish and to be as close to the pack in front as possible. With the new developments, hopefully by Malaysia we'll be racing them." 

Spyker, who took over the Midland team, failed to score any points last year, but are hoping for better things after signing Gascoyne and securing a new engine deal with Ferrari.