Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll sees the Spanish Grand Prix as a "substantial step" forward for the team.

The former Force India outfit has been playing catch up for much of 2019 with their car born in difficult circumstances following last year's financial turmoil.

Yet that hasn't impacted results too negatively as they sit fifth in the Constructors' standings and enjoyed a double points finish two weeks ago in Baku.

"Understandably the guys were focused on the '18 car because they didn't know what '19 held," Stroll explained to Motorsport.com.

"They certainly didn't have excess funds to be focusing on '19, they had to make parts for '18.

"So we anticipated at the beginning that the first four races would be a little more difficult quite honestly than they have been. Our expectations were lower."

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Having enjoyed a more positive start, the Canadian is now more optimistic suggesting Racing Point's season effectively starts from this weekend.

"There will be constant upgrades, we're now going to be like a normal team," Stroll declared.

"When we find something that works, we will be manufacturing it as fast as we can – probably not as fast as the big guys, but as fast as we are capable of – and bringing it to the car.

"So Barcelona is for us a substantial step."