Hamilton: Top ten start is realistic aim

The reigning champion beat the Red Bulls and Brawns near the end of the session, but said his practice speed should not be taken as evidence of a big step forward by McLaren.

"We haven't fixed our problems," said Hamilton. "Not yet. We're working on it."

After being knocked out in Q1 for three straight events, and having not scored since Bahrain, Hamilton said he hoped for a more modest upturn in Germany.

"Try to get in the top ten," he replied when asked about his targets for qualifying.

"For us this will be a big step. If we're able to challenge for the points every weekend, that would be a huge boost for us."

Hamilton added that the new parts McLaren had introduced this weekend appeared to offer an improvement so far.

"We've got some small upgrades which are definitely working in the right direction but we still have a long way to go," he said.

"The car is not perfect yet. But I think the guys at the factory have done a fantastic job."