Sergio Perez says Force India's performances at a Barcelona circuit it has traditionally struggled at proves the "massive step" it has made.
Perez was behind the wheel of the VJM09 for just the second time during winter testing on Tuesday, with both he and Nico Hulkenberg giving up a day to development driver Alfonso Celis last week. Perez completed 126 laps and thinks the early signs at the Circuit de Catalunya, a characteristically weak track for the team, shows the progress made on the 2016 car.
"It was a good day, really promising," Perez said on Wednesday. "There is a lot of information around. I didn't feel that comfortable with the car today, it was quite windy, especially in the afternoon. But still a very good day with plenty of information and I'm quite optimistic.
"When you look at the Barcelona test, it's been the weakest track in the history of the team. So to be here and to be more or less competitive, more or less fighting with the people around us, means that we have done a massive step. I want to believe that in the good circuits for us we can be quite strong."
Perez admits Force India has a lot of work to do to finish its check-list by Friday evening.
"We are a good 50 percent ready with the car. I think we have good information, especially today, it's been the best day in terms of changes and understanding the car. Tomorrow will be a very crucial day with Nico, especially, and hopefully we can recover a lot of information for my last day."
The Mexican will drive again for Force India on Friday, the final day of testing before the Australian Grand Prix weekend.