Virgin isn't performing as hoped this season. After the disappointing start the team decided to change their development path and decided to drop their technical director. Virgin hopes that they can be a bit more competitive in Spain. Virgin's Timo Glock says he really likes the circuit: "Valencia is a race that often divides opinion but I really like the circuit and find it an interesting challenge. It's a track where we really have to keep our eye on the ball - much like Monaco – because the fast straights and the closeness of the barriers mean you can easily become unstuck."

He continues: "This is usually a very hot race, which adds to the challenge, and a great and very up and coming city. For us it's a case of doing the best job possible with our equipment, bringing both cars home and continuing to make good calls from the pitwall to ensure we are there to take advantage of opportunities along the way."

His fellow Virgin driver Jerome d'Ambrosio also has fond memories of the course: "I have always enjoyed racing at the Valencia Street Circuit since my days in GP2. It's a technical track with a very interesting final sector and so I can't wait to drive here in a Formula One car. The race in Canada was a great experience for me - it was a rather disappointing Qualifying session but in the end I had some really good moments during the race that will only help me to develop as a driver and I'm optimistic of a good weekend in one of the best European race venues."

Last year the team finished as 17th and 19th in Valencia.