McLaren managing director, Jonathan Neale confirmed the team have used one of their allotted straight line test days to trial their Silverstone upgrade package.
During the weekly Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in, Neale explained the Woking-based squad have used the test at Idiada in Spain to help decide which new parts they’ll bring to their home race, as well as to gain a better understanding of the MP4-28.
"The only issue with our car is we lack downforce and that is what we are trying to create at the moment," Neale explained.
"We've got a range of upgrades for the weekend but we're not there just testing parts, but testing some fundamental understanding issues as well.
"We'll wait and see on Friday afternoon at Silverstone as to what remains on the car for Saturday to know how successful it has been, but we won't know until this evening (Tuesday) finally what package we'll take (to Silverstone)."
Given the team’s recent form, Neale is cautious about their prospects: "We want to get both cars into Q3 and then race hard for good points," he said.
"It would be great if the guys could get a podium out of it but I think on recent performance that could be quite challenging.
"There isn't going to be a golden bullet," he added. "We are pushing hard but the reality of the situation is there is still a big gap from us to the front of the grid."
During the weekly Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in, Neale explained the Woking-based squad have used the test at Idiada in Spain to help decide which new parts they’ll bring to their home race, as well as to gain a better understanding of the MP4-28.
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| McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: WRi2) |
"The only issue with our car is we lack downforce and that is what we are trying to create at the moment," Neale explained.
"We've got a range of upgrades for the weekend but we're not there just testing parts, but testing some fundamental understanding issues as well.
"We'll wait and see on Friday afternoon at Silverstone as to what remains on the car for Saturday to know how successful it has been, but we won't know until this evening (Tuesday) finally what package we'll take (to Silverstone)."
Given the team’s recent form, Neale is cautious about their prospects: "We want to get both cars into Q3 and then race hard for good points," he said.
"It would be great if the guys could get a podium out of it but I think on recent performance that could be quite challenging.
"There isn't going to be a golden bullet," he added. "We are pushing hard but the reality of the situation is there is still a big gap from us to the front of the grid."