Newey Not Making Predictions for Monaco

He expects, however, McLaren to be the team to beat in the European Grand Prix one week later.

"Monaco is very peculiar, so I won't predict anything but in the Nurburgring we should have the same advantage," said Newey.

Kimi Raikkonen ran away with the Spanish Grand Prix after a dominant performance which saw him scoring McLaren's first win of the season.
 
The Finn led from start to finish and eclipsed Championship leader Fernando Alonso, finishing nearly 30 seconds ahead of the Spaniard.

Newey admitted he was not surprised by Raikkonen's pace, and he claimed the Finn could have enjoyed a similar performance had he not retired while leading the San Marino Grand Prix two weeks earlier.

"I think it would have been similar in Imola, where we understood we had a comfortable pace in the race," Newey added. "But, of course, starting at the front is important to be able to get to that pace."

Following their first victory of the season, Newey is confident they will be able to fight for the titles despite their slow start to the year.

"I like to think race by race, but with the pace we have, why not," he said.