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Whitmarsh concerned about 'burnout'

Martin Whitmarsh: "It's essential to remain fit, focused and dedicated" © Sutton Images

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Martin Whitmarsh says it is "inevitable" that team members will suffer from "burnout" in the closing stages of the season.

Next weekend's Korean Grand Prix marks the first of six races in eight weeks as the season draws to a close with three back-to-back race weekends. Whitmarsh says the backlogged nature of the season would ultimately take its toll on all the teams but that he hopes McLaren can stay focused to hold on to fifth place in the constructors' championship.

"This final leg of the world championship - in which we'll race in six grands prix in just eight weeks - is an incredibly tough physical feat," Whitmarsh said. "After 13 races, and with the prospect of many more weeks spent on the road and thousands of miles spent away from home, it's essential to remain fit, focused and dedicated in order to stave off the inevitable burnout that comes at the end of such a long year.

"For Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, we go into these final races with the very clear intention of consolidating our position in the constructors' championship. While improving our position sadly looks impossible, it's important to consistently achieve top-10 finishes with both drivers in order to strengthen our points cushion over our closest rivals behind. We achieved that in Singapore and will be looking for similar performances from now until the end of the season.

"That may not be a particularly glamorous task for a team that enjoys winning, but it nonetheless calls for constant application, focus and commitment as we count down the remaining races during this important phase of the season."