Dennis promises return to form

The painful struggles of McLaren have been well documented this season but team principal Ron Dennis is sure a return to form is not too far away. This weekend's United States Grand Prix could be the last outing for the beleaguered MP4-19, as the new B spec car looks likely to debut at Magny Cours for the French GP.

Both McLaren drivers picked up points in Canada but it's been a very hard job this year. There's more work to be done but Dennis is optimistic. "Many challenges don't respond to money, they take time, and in three or four races we'll be in much better shape," he said, according to the BBC. "We understand how we got into this situation, and we have a clear understanding of how we'll get out."

Repeated engine failures and a general lack of competitiveness means McLaren is currently sixth in the constructors' standings, behind Swiss privateer Sauber. Considering that Kimi Raikkonen fought all the way to the last race for the championship last year, and finished just two points shy of Michael Schumacher, it's a painful situation.

"I am upset by our performance and my own contribution to it, although I've experienced far more difficult times than we are going through at the moment," Dennis remarked. "It is not an enjoyable experience to go through the pain of the failures we are currently suffering, but I do believe we will return to competitiveness."

Raikkonen finished the race in the points in Montreal and David Coulthard added to the tally when Williams and Toyota were disqualified. The reliability at least was an improvement and no car failures means the team should be in reasonable shape for Indianapolis this weekend.

"The fact that two cars completed the Canadian Grand Prix without major damage will enable the team to complete the necessary rebuilds within the time allowed," said CEO Martin Whitmarsh. "And ensure that we are well prepared for the forthcoming race."