Formula One news

McLaren taking realistic approach

The McLaren team is refusing to jump the gun ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix next weekend, as the start of the European season sees all teams brings take their first major aerodynamic updates to a track on which a large percentage of off-season testing is completed.

World Champion Lewis Hamilton drove his strongest race of the season so far in Bahrain last Sunday, finishing fourth having run competitively in the top three places for much of the afternoon. "The schedule for the first four races was very tough for everyone, so going back to Europe almost feels like a fresh start," the World Champion said. "After such a positive performance in Bahrain, we're fully aware that the characteristics of the Barcelona track won't suit our car so well. In addition, we won't have the bigger upgrades of some of the other teams, as we've already introduced several new parts during the opening 'flyaways', so it will be interesting to see where we sit in the order."

Last year's race was marred by the sudden accident suffered by team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, as wheel rim failure resulted in a violent and premature exit for the Finn at Campsa corner. "Going back to the scene of last year's accident doesn't change anything for me," Heikki said, who has tested at the circuit several times since. "I really enjoy this track - I had a great race in 2007 (his first points with 7th place for Renault) and I love the high-speed corners, where you've got to push hard to get the maximum from the car.

"It's also a circuit where you need to find the perfect balance to look after the tyres - and I really enjoy trying to find the best compromise for the race. Our pre-season test at Barcelona was not very encouraging, so we are going into this race with realistic expectations, but I'm optimistic the whole team can deliver once again this weekend."

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