Spyker to skip Sepang test

The Spyker team will skip next week's test at the Sepang circuit, but the Silverstone-based squad are convinced they are making the right decision

Most of the Formula One teams will fly to Malaysia following last weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix for a three-day test ahead of the Asian race on April 8.

Spyker, however, have decided not to travel to Sepang, and will instead work at the Silverstone base.

The Ferrari-powered outfit are planning to introduce a significant upgrade to their car for the second race of the season, and chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne said they wouldn't have time to test the new components in Sepang.

"With the upgrades we're planning to introduce for the second race, it would not be possible to get them onto the car in time for the Sepang test," said Gascoyne.

"The race cars will be shipped direct to Malaysia from Australia, but the team will be flat out modifying the cars in time for the Grand Prix."

The modifications to the F8-VII car include new barge boards, sidepod inlets, revised bodywork and a revised diffuser, all developed in their new aero facility, Aerolab.

Despite missing the test, Gascoyne believes the team will not be at a disadvantage at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

He added: "Participating in the Malaysia test would stretch our resources; we're a small team and we have to pay careful attention to how we allocate the budget.

"We would only run one car without the modifications for three days, but we know the track, we know the tyres and with the extra running time afforded by the Friday practice days now, we will get an opportunity to run the new bodywork before the racing starts.