McLaren now has a better understanding of its car, the MP4-28, and the reasons behind its less than expected pace, according to managing director Jonathan Neale.
During a Vodafone phone-in, Neale explained that the team had now identified the problem areas and will respond to them by running a raft of upgrades aimed at resolving them.
“I believe we do know where the problems are on the car now,” he said.
“We managed to improve the car between Australia and Malaysia, and we were closer on the pace there.
“Taking the learning from that weekend, we’re taking a number of upgrades to China. Some are routine, some are a response to the moment.
“We need to run the package we have in China in order to be absolutely sure [about progress], so Friday is a very key element.”
He is confident the team has turned a corner and expects the Chinese Grand Prix will confirm that.
“I certainly believe we are on the right track now; we have an idea where the problems are,” he added.
“After the Chinese Grand Prix I think we will have more [answers].”