McLaren in optimistic mood

McLaren-Mercedes believe they are on course for an improvement in Bahrain after a low-key start to the season.

The Woking-based team were expected to challenge for world titles this season after Kimi Raikkonen’s near-miss last year.

But McLaren’s latest car has been put firmly in the shade by the likes of Ferrari, Williams, Renault and BAR to leave their hopes looking distant after only two races.

So far David Coulthard has scored McLaren’s only points this season – for an eighth and a sixth place – after engine problems for Raikkonen.

But managing director Martin Whitmarsh is hopeful they will show better form in Bahrain this weekend.

He said: “We started to move in the right direction with regards our competitiveness in Malaysia. However, we are looking to make another performance gain at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

“We will arrive at the Bahrain International Circuit with a significant level of intelligence regarding the track and possible set-ups.”

Mercedes chief Norbert Haug is keen to see both Mercedes engines reach the chequered flag for the first time this season.

He said: “After the Grand Prix of Malaysia we tested at Paul Ricard with two cars with Alex Wurz and Pedro de la Rosa covering about 2,000 kilometres on four days.

“Our clear target is to achieve absolute reliability in the races and practice sessions and to improve our lap times from race to race. The Bahrain Grand Prix is therefore a challenge in every respect.”