F1: 'Significant' aero upgrade to boost Spyker.

[Rory Phoulorie]

The Spyker F1 team is expecting to make a big step forward next weekend in Malaysia, when they introduce a �major aero upgrade' on the Etihad Aldar-branded F8-VII.

Although the Silverstone-based outfit opted to skip this week's test at the Sepang circuit, they are confident they will be able to make real progress relative to their performance in Australia, the opening round in the 2007 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

As such both F8-VII cars will feature revised bodywork, sidepod inlets, bargeboards and a modified diffuser to increase aerodynamic efficiency. The upgrade is a direct result of the team's new partnership with Aerolab, which allows the team access to a second wind tunnel and 30 additional staff.

�We were where we expected to be in Australia in qualifying time difference, but on race pace we were pretty close to the group in front. For Malaysia the goal is now to transfer the aero upgrade onto the car and move forward,� said Spyker chief technical officer, Mike Gascoyne.

�The simulations we have conducted in the wind tunnel suggest the modifications will give a significant increase in performance and hopefully we will be able to move further up the field.�

Spyker team boss, Colin Kolles meanwhile is also hopeful they will be closer to their rivals: �After Australia I said we should be positive about the team's race performance over that weekend, and now I think we have even more reason to be upbeat,� he added.

�Adrian [Sutil] has one race distance under his belt, Christijan [Albers] is very motivated and we have a significant upgrade that will allow both drivers the opportunity to race for position.�

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