Virgin Racing competed in their very first race at the Bahrain Grand Prix, shame it was a short one for both drivers.

New recruit Lucas di Grassi only managed 2 full laps after a believed cooler split, ruining his dream of finishing on his debut.

Now into his third season, Timo Glock faired a little better completing 18 laps, where he managed to overtake a rival Lotus, before a gearbox problem ended his race. He was in 19th place.

Improvement has been made, as before this the car had only managed 14 laps on a track without problems, but if they are going to finish the 58 laps that make up the Australian Grand Prix, more work is obviously needed.

Being granted Formula One status only nine months ago, just being on the grid was something special. No way were they ever going to be on pace, not even with the midfield runners. It was a battle of the new boys.

Glock looked good at qualifying on Saturday and was placed 19th on the grid, the highest out of the new teams. Di Grassi was almost a second slower and started in 22nd place, only starting ahead of the Hispania team who had both cars starting from the pit lane.

As the race started both Glock and Di Grassi got away without any trouble, but the Lotus boys had the better start. Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen both went past the Virgin number one.

But as everyone settled down, the young German was able to re-gain his place and overtake friend and former team mate Trulli, a mini boost for the team.

This was the only thing they could shout about, maybe more celebrations will follow for just being there for their debut in Formula One, but it wasn’t the ideal start.

Now they look ahead to the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks time, enough time to do some serious improvements. We now know the pace of the car, or lack of it, and know the realistic aim for the next race is to just finish.

On this week’s evidence it may look like a pipe dream, but if the right improvements are made and some more sensible driving done, the dream of finishing could become a reality.

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