Ramirez Admits McLaren are 'Lost'

McLaren team co-ordinator Jo Ramirez admitted the Woking-based outfit are 'lost' and that this year's car, the Mercedes-powered MP4-16, is far from the machines McLaren have produced in the past.

McLaren have struggled to match Ferrari's pace in the first two rounds of the 2001 season, and the team have already stated that they are hoping the European races will allow them to close the gap.

However, Ramirez admitted they are not sure what the problems are.

"Frankly, I don't know what we will be able to do at this Grand Prix," Ramirez told Agencia Estado. "We are lost. This car is not up to the McLaren tradition.

"The race in Malaysia was a disaster. We were not able to find the right balance.

"We were and we are still lost."

The Mexican also admitted the rivalry between Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello is playing against McLaren.

"This rivalry is bad for us", Ramirez confessed. "Currently, Barrichello is the only one who can push Schumacher, and the dispute between both of them makes them move forward."