Timo Glock insists he is "positive" about his team's fortunes this season despite conceding it will be a tough start.
Marussia, previously Virgin Racing, have already confirmed that they will not have their 2012 car ready in time for the first two pre-season tests.
Added to that, team boss John Booth recently revealed that they will be without KERS, opting instead to focus on aerodynamics.
And although Glock admits this will put his team on the back foot to start with, the German is confident they will steadily improve.
"It's a shame that we get the new car late, and thus only have a short time to prepare," the 29-year-old told Auto Moto und Sport.
"It was clear from the outset that we in the first third of the season we will have a hard time.
"I am positive about 2012. Of course, our goal is to keep developing steadily."
