Despite the fact that Marussia outpaced Caterham on seven of the 12 pre-season test days in Spain, Giedo van der Garde does not fear his main rivals ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. The Dutchman, who is entering his maiden Formula 1 term, says the full order will only become clear in next Saturday's qualifying session.
"Not really," van der Garde told GPUpdate.net when asked if he is afraid of Marussia's potential. "Marussia has progressed and Jules Bianchi is a fast guy who can adapt to a car in no time, but we have to wait until Melbourne to see where everyone stands.
"Don't expect us to be fighting for the top ten straightaway. But I do think we have a lot of potential. We will get a major upgrade in Spain, so from that race we should be able to make some big steps."
Speaking to GPUpdate.net earlier in the year, van der Garde explained that scoring a point would provide a massive boost for Caterham. This aim continues after testing, but the 27-year-old is staying realistic.
"Of course it would be great to score a point this year," he added. "If we score a point, it would be similar to winning a race for us. We will see how the first four races go with this car and then, after the first major update, we will see what is possible."
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