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McLaren still in damage limitation mode

Martin Whitmarsh: "We'll look to consolidate our achievements in Shanghai with further solid points" © Getty Images

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• Martin Whitmarsh

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McLaren is hoping to score a solid points haul at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix as it continues to limit the damage to its championship hopes after a tricky start to the year.

McLaren has struggled for pace at the opening rounds, with the team's best result a fifth-place finish in China last weekend. There have been signs of an improvement at the last two races, but the indications from Shanghai is that the car is still roughly a second shy of its rivals.

With a quick turnaround ahead of Bahrain, team principal Martin Whitmarsh said the team will most likely still be looking for solid points rather than podiums this weekend.

"Bahrain marks the end of the opening fly-away leg of the 2013 world championship," he said. "That being the case, following on in quick succession from last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, we'll look to consolidate our achievements in Shanghai with further solid points finishes this weekend.

"While the first three races haven't been the easiest for us, there's been a little progress at every round, and we'll be looking for another improved showing, as well as the opportunity to increase our understanding of MP4-28, in Bahrain this weekend."

Whitmarsh said there will be more new parts coming to the car this weekend and that everybody at the factory is pushing hard.

"The work that goes on at the track is only the tip of the iceberg," he added. "There's been an incredible amount of effort expended back at the McLaren Technology Centre [Woking, UK], so as to ensure that the delivery of new parts, and the evaluation of fresh ideas, remain constant.

"I therefore want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's contributed to that work. Your efforts never go unnoticed, and the development trend is in the right direction."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.