Alonso not expecting big leap for McLaren

Fernando Alonso has played down expectations that the team could deliver a number of upgrades for Baku that could see them challenge nearer the sharp end of the field. McLaren is set to introduce a wave of updates at the Spanish Grand Prix.

McLaren has apparently identified the weaker areas of the car and is ready to fix those with a 2018 spec touted for Barcelona, the race after Baku.

"We know our limitations and where we need to improve our package, and, although we bring parts to test to every race weekend, we aren't anticipating a radical change in our performance in Baku.

"However, we're learning more and more about the behaviour of our car each time we step into the cockpit, and in Azerbaijan we'll be maximising everything we have as usual to score as many points as possible."

Team boss Eric Boullier echoed his sentiments saying that the team will have to work hard this weekend to continue their strong start to the season.

"We know our package tends to deliver more on Sundays, so the important thing will be to react quickly to anything that happens. We must keep our heads down, push hard and take any and every opportunity that comes our way.

"Both of our drivers have raced brilliantly in the first grand prix of the season and I know they'll be relishing the opportunity to maximise what they have underneath them in Baku.

"Overtaking is at a premium, so, while we don't underestimate the importance of our starting grid slots for Sunday's race, we're also looking forward to the challenge that racing through these historic city streets brings."