F1: Force India focused on 2015 tires

Sergio Perez insists Force India is still gaining plenty from this week's Formula 1 test in Barcelona, despite only having its 2014 car.

With its new challenger not expected to be ready until next week's final pre-season test, Force India has had to run an updated VJM07 this time out. Although the test holds little value in terms of car preparations, Perez says that his running on Friday was invaluable for the good tire knowledge he has gained.

"It was really positive and we had a really good comparison back-to-back with the tires," explained the Mexican. "We understand properly the tire difference from this year to last year.

"The most positive thing today is we really learned about the tires, and how they work. We did a lot of setup changes with the tires just to understand the compounds. So in that respect I think we are optimistic and really looking forward to the new car."

Perez is mindful, however, that having missed the first two tests with Force India's 2015 car, next week's running has to be troublefree if the team is going to start the season in good shape.

"Hopefully the new car turns up and we can do some proper mileage with it," he said. "Let's be positive. We don't really know, and you never know how a new car is going to turn up.

"It might turn up and give no problems or turn up and you don't do any more than six or seven laps. It depends."

Originally on Autosport.com