McLaren racing director Eric Boullier insists his team can compete for points in Malaysia, but only if they encounter of reliability problems at any stage.
The British team has improved this year after a dismal 2015, but still struggles with engine problems.
But an upturn in form has left Boullier optimistic ahead of this weekend, at the Sepang track known to test cars to the limit.
"After a recent run of mixed fortunes on one side of the garage, our aim for the remaining races has to be to iron out reliability niggles and finish with both cars," he said.
"If we can achieve reliability on both sides of the garage, I'm hopeful for a positive weekend.
"We've proved recently that our package is a firm contender in the midfield pack and we have the potential to finish ahead of some strong teams.
"So we'll keep fighting to maintain our position and move closer to the front of the grid."
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McLaren racing director Eric Boullier insists his team can compete for points in Malaysia, but only if they encounter of reliability problems at any stage.
The British team has improved this year after a dismal 2015, but still struggles with engine problems.
But an upturn in form has left Boullier optimistic ahead of this weekend, at the Sepang track known to test cars to the limit.
"After a recent run of mixed fortunes on one side of the garage, our aim for the remaining races has to be to iron out reliability niggles and finish with both cars," he said.
"If we can achieve reliability on both sides of the garage, I'm hopeful for a positive weekend.
"We've proved recently that our package is a firm contender in the midfield pack and we have the potential to finish ahead of some strong teams.
"So we'll keep fighting to maintain our position and move closer to the front of the grid."
Related topics