McLaren remains focused on MP4-28 progress

McLaren was one of the unpleasant surprises of the Australian Grand Prix, the Woking team having struggled in the changing conditions in Melbourne. After only picking up two points with Jenson Button's ninth place, speculation was that the British team could return to its old model which had competed in the 2012 season. However, sporting director Sam Michael assures that his team will not is not considering this option and is concentrating all its efforts on the development of the MP4-28. “All our energies are focused on 28A, it is it which represents our best chances this season. We study performance without neglecting any parameter. We have an idea where we need to focus, but we have to follow all areas closely until we reach the best level. We have two development lines: the first is normal and the second is experimental for Friday testing. »

With the Malaysian Grand Prix not offering a moment's rest to the teams, McLaren does not expect to see the hierarchy shaken up at Sepang and hints half-heartedly that the British team could experience another difficult weekend . However, she stood out last year with a podium won by Lewis Hamilton while his new recruit Sergio Pérez had created a surprise by obtaining second place with Sauber after having long threatened the winner Fernando Alonso. “We already have the benefit of our knowledge obtained in Melbourne by competing in this race”, underlines Sam Michael. “We clearly have a better understanding of the car and which allows us to better manage the weekend. I even think we would do a better job competing in Melbourne again because we have more data. (The Sepang circuit) is nevertheless very different. I don't know how we'll be there, but I don't think the order will really change. We should have a hierarchy similar to that seen in Melbourne and during winter testing. »