Gascoyne: Seamless shift needs more miles

The team tested the new gearbox at Jerez last week, and technical chief Mike Gascoyne said it received positive feedback from the drivers.

Gascoyne feels, however, that the gearbox needs more mileage before it's raced, and the team are aiming to have it ready for the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

"We had a very successful introduction of the seamless shift gearbox at the test last week in Jerez, with very positive comments from the drivers, and obviously we would like to introduce it as soon as possible," said Gascoyne.

"We do however need to accrue more mileage before racing it, but we will run it on the Friday in Hungary. As both gearboxes are three races into their four race cycle, we will use it on the Friday, but we'll race the standard box with the view to introducing the seamless version in Valencia.

"This solution is therefore a chance to gain more mileage without incurring the penalties of changing a box with one race left, and to make sure we are fully prepared for a race introduction after the summer break."

Gascoyne admitted he is hopeful the team can have a stronger outing this weekend in Hungary, following their promising showing at the Monaco Grand Prix.

"We have struggled in qualifying compared to our race pace, and Hungary is a place where overtaking is very difficult so qualifying is even more important than usual," he said.

"But let's not forget that we had a very competitive outing in Monaco, which is very similar in set-up to Hungary with maximum downforce and few overtaking opportunities, so we have to look to do this again; have a good strategy and take advantage whenever we can."