McLaren are confident its Austrian upgrade package, which has been described as “significant”, will be good enough to close the gap to the front-running pack.
The team has been working hard to produce the parts required for the upgrade which is the first of two major steps – the second of which will be unveiled at the British Grand Prix.
It includes a complete overhaul of the MP4-29’s downforce package from the front to the back and it’s believed to be a last ditch attemp at catching Red Bull and Ferrari before their attention turns to 2015.
“It is true that we started the season with a car that was lacking downforce and, at the same time, we had to redirect the strategy for the team of where to go,” explained racing director Eric Boullier.
“I think the package we are bringing in Austria is good enough to step up and close the gap with everyone in front of us.”
However he admitted it’s not quite enough to catch the ever-dominant Mercedes who, whilst unable to win in Canada due to reliability, remain out of reach.
“Definitely we will not be winning races from that point – but it is a decent package to close the gap.”