McLaren racing director Eric Boullier is excited by the potential of better results in the coming races as a result of the team's "unrelenting development programme".
The opening races saw McLaren struggle, but it was more competitive in Russia and scored points with both cars as Fernando Alonso finished sixth and Jenson Button tenth. While Boullier acknowledges there was some luck involved in the result, he says it comes as a welcome boost ahead of a run of circuits which should suit the upgraded MP4-31 better.
“Our double points finish in Sochi was certainly a motivating factor for the whole team back in Woking, Sakura and Milton Keynes, but it’s only just the start of an upward curve that we hope to continue riding for the rest of the season," Boullier said.
“In Russia, there’s no doubt we gained from others’ misfortune in some ways, but both our drivers report positively about the balance of the car, which reassures us that we’ve created a solid foundation, and that we can have faith in the direction in which we’re going.
“We’re always impatient for more, but I’m pleased that the hard work consistently being undertaken behind the scenes was finally rewarded with some valuable points, and we head into the European season hopeful of scoring some more positive results at circuits on which our car should theoretically be slightly stronger. That, coupled with an unrelenting development programme, is exciting and gives us optimism for the next few races ahead."
While optimistic, Boullier concedes the prospect of other teams bringing new parts to the Spanish Grand Prix could see the pecking order change.
“It certainly won’t be easy – while we’ll be evaluating upgrades to the car in Barcelona, so will many other teams – but the loyal Spanish fans will be behind Fernando and the team, and we hope to put on a good show for them and carry some positive momentum into the European season.”
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