Racing Point to introduce new car before summer break

Racing Point plan to bring a substantial upgrade before the summer break in Formula 1 which will see Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll furnished with almost an entirely new car, according to the team. Racing Point tested in pre-season with a car made up of many 2018-spec parts.

Having emerged from the ashes of Force India, Racing Point have set sights on heading the midfield battle with significant investment from a consortium head by Lawrence Stroll.

They sit fifth in the standings, having scored in every race except last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, but it is hoped that bigger rewards will be possible in the second half of the season.

Neither Perez or Stroll were a factor in qualifying in Barcelona, while the Mexican finished outside the points after his team-mate retired after a collision with Lando Norris.

"It's a difficult circuit for us with respect to the balance of the car that we've had recently," technical director Andy Green said.

"And I'm talking over the last few years, it's something we haven't been able to address fully for a while.

"But we have some new parts coming, almost a new car coming, before the summer shutdown. Hopefully we'll address some of the issues that we tend to have at this type of circuit."

The financial struggles of last year mean Racing Point remain on the back foot, but it is hoped that the upgrade will put them back on an even keel with their rivals.

"This is a big one," team principal Otmar Szafnauer told Motorsport.com. "And the aerodynamic philosophy changes as well, so it's a big thing. We have to try and get it in asap, hopefully before Hungary.

"It's not a risk. I think other people are already doing what we're trying to do.

"A lot of things will change – it's a big mass flow rate of air change. Directionally it's the right thing, and it's something that will also continue to help improve the car forever."

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