Wirth: Virgin getting on top of issues

Virgin Racing technical director Nick Wirth insists the team is getting to grips with its problems despite Timo Glock encountering more issues on Saturday in Australia.

Glock was forced to deal with a fuel-filter blockage in practice and was then forced to carry extra fuel in qualifying due to fuel pick-up problem.

That left the German 21st on the grid - behind both Lotus drivers - while team-mate Lucas di Grassi will start 22nd.

The Brazilian had also suffered a low fuel pick-up issue during but despite the problems - which follow the news that Virgin will need to redesign its car to fit a larger fuel tank - Wirth insisted the team was getting to grips with issues it has faced.

"Lucas had a trouble-free morning although he had an unexpected low fuel pick-up problem, which ultimately badly affected both himself and Timo in qualifying," Wirth said. "Timo had another blocked gearbox filter, which meant he went into qualifying having not tried the option tyre and with a similar fuel pick-up issue. So in the end I think both guys did a good job in qualifying considering the extra fuel they were carrying and the lack of practice time during the weekend.

"Sometimes it may not seem like it, but we are getting on top of the issues as they arise and we'll see if we can make further progress in the race tomorrow."