McLaren predicts stronger Monaco GP

The high-speed corners of the Barcelona circuit highlighted the deficits of the team's MP4-24, with Lewis Hamilton finishing a disappointing ninth position while team-mate Heikki Kovalainen retired with a car failure.

Whitmarsh insisted the team was aware of the situation for Spain, but he is confident McLaren will fare much better at Monte Carlo in two weeks' time.

"In fairness, after nearly being on the podium in Bahrain, we said 'come on guys, we knew this was going to be a very difficult weekend' and I think there are positives to take out of it," said Whitmarsh.

"We have come a long way from where we were eight weeks ago, and the other positive - Lewis... he has always been in a winning car, he is not at the moment and he is doing a fantastic job.

"Monaco is going to be different, we are going to be strong, we have still got a lot of work as it is not going to be magic, but we are definitely going to be stronger there. We will keep pushing with this car to make it better."

Whitmarsh admitted, however, that it was hard to guess how strong everybody will be in the unique race at Monaco.

"You cannot predict because no one will stand still," he added. "I would love to have the Eureka moment but I think you have just got to grind away.

"We will be stronger in Monaco, that I am confident, that is a circuit that will suit us and we have got great drivers. Lewis is mega there, so we have to make sure we keep pushing and developing the car."