McLaren hoping for step forward

The team evaluated the new parts during testing at Silverstone last week and after completing almost 1,700 kilometres over the three days, the team have given the green light to using the developments at the European Grand Prix.

But although both Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen will get the new chassis improvements, only Raikkonen will have use of the new power-unit because Montoya is not due an engine change until the Spanish Grand Prix.

Whitmarsh said: "We had a positive week at the Silverstone test, completing the proving process on developments to the chassis and engine, and it will be interesting to see how they translate to the race track.

"The character of the Nurburgring lends itself to closely fought racing, with the opportunities to overtake, and with the competitiveness we have seen so far this season across a number of teams, it should be another hard fought race.

"As always, our primary target is to take the victory, and we are pushing forward with our development programme strongly as we need to make a performance step to arrive at the European Grand Prix with the pace to challenge for the win.

"The track does not see an over-dependence on a particular element of the car, be it the chassis, engine or tyres, and as a result will provide an opportunity to maximise performance of the package as a whole."

Raikkonen appeared set for victory at last year's European Grand Prix before his suspension failed on the final lap as the result of vibrations picked up from a flat-spotted tyre.