McLaren says it is keen to demonstrate the progress it has made in recent weeks at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, off the back of its non-score in Monaco.
Fernando Alonso retired from the race with a gearbox failure while Stoffel Vandoorne struggled with poor tyre performance that left him mired down in a lapped 14th position.
Vandoorne believes the team is improving with every race and with the rumored Renault power unit upgrade on the way with a supposed extra 30 horsepower, the Belgian is keen to make up for the poor result in Monaco and a lacklustre start to the season.
"I feel that we’re improving step-by-step, and I hope we can show this in Canada," said the 2015 GP2 champion.
"We had an unfortunate situation in qualifying in Monaco where we had no choice but to send the car out with a small issue, and it influenced our grid slot and then the rest of the weekend. As well as solid preparation, we need a little bit of luck on our side this weekend, for both myself and Fernando.
"I love street tracks – they’re the circuits I enjoy racing on most as they’re the biggest challenge for a driver. There are definitely more overtaking opportunities in Montreal than in Monaco, so there’s more chance of capitalising on any action that happens.
"We’ll be working hard in every area to bring everything together for race day, hopefully along with some points."
Alonso believes it will be a tough race for the Woking-based outfit, but is hopeful the improvements coming to the MCL33 will help them overcome the deficit to their rivals and take advantage of everything which comes their way.
The Spaniard will head to Montreal for his 300th Grand Prix after testing with his Toyota LMP1 team testing at Le Mans ahead of the world-famous 24-hour event the following week.
"I’ve always enjoyed racing in Montreal," added the double-world champion.
"It has the best combination of a great track, challenging street circuit characteristics, and it’s a fun city to visit. I’ve enjoyed some great races in Canada and I won there in 2006, so it’s a special place for me.
"Even more so this weekend, when I’ll be celebrating my 300th grand prix.
"This will certainly be a tough circuit for us, but we’re making progress with our package race-by-race.
"A little bit of the drama or changeable weather conditions we’ve seen in Canada so many times in the past could offer us some opportunities – it’s up to us to take advantage of every possibility."
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