Marussia team principal John Booth fears his Banbury-based outfit will not be ready in time for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, March 16.

Marussia missed the first two days of the opening test in Jerez last month due to technical issues, and then only completed 30 laps – 132 kilometres – over the final two days.

In the second test in Bahrain last week the team’s gremlins continued to bite, starting off with a computer virus which virtually wiped out the opening day.

Problems with the power unit and fuel system on the third and fourth days at the Sakhir circuit meant come the conclusion drivers Max Chilton and Jules Bianchi had managed just 29 laps.

Ahead of the final four-day test that begins in Bahrain tomorrow, Booth said: “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried in the slightest.”