Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso share the opinion that McLaren's best chance for a good result in the next few races will come around the streets of Monaco.
Honda is introducing an upgraded engine for the Spanish Grand Prix but outright power is less important at the following race in Monaco than any other circuit on the calendar. Both McLaren drivers have repeatedly praised the MP4-30 chassis itself and Button thinks this will be key in Monte Carlo regardless of power.
"I think already in Barcelona you will see a good step, but we have got a lot happening for Monaco with the car," Button said. "Hopefully there will be a good step, not just with the power but also with the aerodynamic grip. Definitely I have a good feeling about it.
"There are a few areas where the car needs to be stronger right now for Monaco, if we are going to go there tomorrow. It will be an interesting place to drive this car, definitely. It is such a tricky circuit to find the limit but if you have a car that you are confident in then it makes a massive difference.
"I remember Jean Alesi in a Prost doing a really good job around there because he had confidence in the car and the balance was there. It might not have had enough downforce but it worked for him and it gave him confidence. That is a massive thing that you need around somewhere [like Monaco]... you need it anywhere. I think in Formula One most drivers are very talented but it is a real mental game ... But especially at Monaco because it's so unforgiving."
Alonso echoed the opinion of his team-mate.
"Lower power circuits will help us at the moment and Monaco is the circuit we may enjoy a better result, but we will see," Alonso said. "We need to see race-by-race and Bacelona is the first step..."