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McLaren F1 team confident Austrian GP updates will be a good step

The McLaren Formula 1 team is confident that the update package it is bringing to the Austrian Grand Prix will help deliver a good step forward in performance

The Woking-based team has been undergoing a restructuring in recent weeks, with racing director Eric Boullier overhauling working processes to help it recover from a poor start to the campaign.

And the first fruits of that effort will come on board at the Red Bull Ring with a major aerodynamic overhaul of the MP4-29.

Boullier said the team was expecting a decent boost in speed, even if he knows that it will still take more before McLaren is back in a position of being able to win races.

"It is obviously the game to try to produce some parts as fast as possible, but it all depends on where you start from," he explained.

"It is true that we started the season with a car that was lacking downforce and, at the same time, we had to redirect the strategy for the team where to go.

"I think the package we are bringing in Austria is good enough to step up and close the gap with everyone in front of us.

"Definitely we will not be winning races from that point - but it is a decent package to close the gap."

BUTTON UPBEAT ABOUT CHANGES

Although the aerodynamic package arriving in Austria will be the first big change produced by the new McLaren structure, Jenson Button has noticed how different things are inside the team.

He believes the increased presence of Group CEO Ron Dennis allied to new structures put in place by Boullier are already helping.

"I like seeing Ron at the circuit, I think it has a positive impact on the team working here," explained the former world champion.

"Before every session, and after every session, Eric is pushing the team very, very hard and talking to us guys a lot more than I am used to, which is great.

"He is getting our feedback and understanding about what we have from the car and what we need from the car."

He added: "Things at McLaren have been the same for many, many years and now they are starting to change. I think it is time - and definitely the right direction.

"I am sure Eric feels like he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. It is going to be a tough few years but an exciting few months for everyone at McLaren because we will make our way back to the front and when we do, it is going to be enjoyed by all of us."

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