After a dismal debut year things can only really get better for the Murcia-based outfit, but Kolles insists that Hispania will not only surpass last year's performances but also be more competitive than fellow newcomers Lotus and Virgin Racing.

While last year's challenger was designed by Italian constructor, Dallara, this year's runner is the work of Geoff Wills, a man who has experience with Red Bull, Honda and Williams.

"There are experienced people working on the car. For sure we had no optimum winter, but we have a completely new car, and we will work on it and try to improve it," Kolles told Autosport.

"For me one of the surprises last year was that we were running the same car, but the gap was getting smaller and not bigger. I cannot explain it. Maybe our drivers got better! This is a fact, you can see that the percentage that we were slower got smaller.

"I think that if we have the time and if we have our programmes in place, Lotus is not going to be an issue for us. And also Virgin. Because I trust in the people we have, and also the quality of the people I have. I'm not scared at all..."

It is not only performance problems that have troubled the team but also those of a financial nature, but Kolles believes that there are other teams in far worse financial standing than his own.

"What shall I say? Of course we need sponsors, of course we need investors, and of course we need partners. Like everybody else," he explained.

"I have been criticised for having a lot of test drivers in the past. I mean, what are the others doing, with third class drivers? I'm very sorry, but people have to face reality, and see the facts.

"I think that other teams are in deeper trouble than we are, that's number one. I don't know why we are always asked the same question. I repeat myself, I think that in terms of budget and in terms of budget requirements and in terms of debts and so on, we are in very good shape compared to others.

"Our main strategy is to be long term in F1. How you reach this point, we know there are maybe different ways, but this is the goal. Maybe others have different goals. I cannot judge on this," he added.