Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne believe that their team still have to work hard to emulate their pace from last season.

Both drivers qualified inside the top ten in Beijing with Vergne making it into the first ever super pole position shootout, but their efficiency levels in the race was a cause for concern.

Bird and Vergne had to back off on their in-laps to make sure they made it back to the pits without running out of useable energy.

Due to their package being inefficient, the Virgin Racing drivers dropped down the order with Vergne finishing in twelve place, but Bird managed to pick up a few championship points by finishing seventh.

Team Principal Alex Tai admitted that they had to find a solution to their struggles in Malaysia, which was the scene of the team’s first win last year with Bird.

“We know that we didn’t perform to our ability in Beijing, so now we need to make sure that we learn from China and deliver in Malaysia. Our performances here last year will give us plenty of encouragement so come Saturday evening; I hope we will be reflecting on a job well done,” said Alex Tai.

Bird is hopeful he can repeat his performance a year ago in Putrajaya, but he feels this time around may be more challenging.

“There’s plenty for us to work on as a team, but I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be racing next than Putrajaya in Malaysia. Alongside my win in London, this was without question the highlight of last season.”