Dennis not looking for scapegoat

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said that looking for someone to blame for the team's early disappointments this season is counter-productive and he just wants to work on improving the situation. Both McLaren's retired from the Malaysian Grand Prix with blown engines, leaving David Coulthard with no points so far this year and Kimi Raikkonen with four from his third in Australia.

Dennis knows the team need to improve but is not about to find a scapegoat to shoulder any recriminations: "It is easy to get into counter-productive finger-pointing," he said. "We are where we are. We are well aware where we need to be better and where we are strong. If you have strengths and weaknesses there is only so much you can do compensate for your weaknesses."

"If you've got a gap you've got to concentrate on improving your weaknesses and bringing up your strengths. That is the nature of the beast. It is frustrating when we are not quickest and we are not occupying all the front row, especially when you have won lots of races in the past, but I take comfort from the things we are doing right."

Dennis also said he had faith in his two drivers, that Coulthard would fight back and Raikkonen would encourage the Scot to be motivated: "David is responding well and he is pushing hard," he commented. "We've also got youth pushing from behind. But this is about winning races."

The McLaren boss believes the team will make progress during the season, including at the next event, the Brazilian GP in ten days time. But he is cautious about predicting any sudden success. "We will be taking steps at every race, including Brazil," Dennis added. "We will be faster in Brazil but it may not be enough. That's the nature of motor racing. The competition is moving away as well. We'll have to wait and see."