McLaren Under No Illusions after Poor Start

McLaren will have to work hard to be able to fight against the Ferrari and Williams teams this season, according to Martin Whitmarsh, the Woking-based squad managing director.

"Although David's podium finish in Brazil was encouraging for the team, we are under no illusions," said Whitmarsh. "There is a lot of hard work required to ensure that we are consistently competitive over Grand Prix weekends, and the whole team is focused on continuing the programme to improve our performance and reliability."

Scot David Coulthard finally scored his first points of the season at the Brazilian Grand Prix two weeks ago after a disappointing start of the year for the team.

McLaren, who were second in last year's Constructors' Championship behind Ferrari, have struggled so far, lacking both pace and reliability, and Coulthard's third place in Brazil, added to Kimi Raikkonen's podium in Australia, are the only finishes so far for the British squad.

Despite their weak start, Coulthard is hoping to continue his positive streak at the San Marino Grand Prix this weekend and give another boost to his Championship options.

"I was pleased to be back on the podium in Brazil for the team," said the Scot. "The result demonstrated that we are moving in the right direction and I am now able to begin my 2002 Championship challenge in earnest.

"I have a good record at the San Marino Grand Prix, having secured podium finishes in the previous four races, and I am aiming to extend this run at the weekend."