Michael Schumacher has downplayed any suggestion that the major upgrade package for the Mercedes W01 car at the Spanish GP will propel the team to the front of the field, saying that the updated car is simply a "general improvement".
The Mercedes team has looked the weakest of the 'big four' teams in the first four rounds of the championship, though Schumacher's team mate Nico Rosberg sits second in the championship thanks to a steady run of finishes.
And the German are introducing a significant upgrade to their car for next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, including an extended wheelbase and potentially including their full version of McLaren's nifty 'F-duct' device.
But Schumacher says that it would "not be realistic" to expect the team to suddenly power to the front of the field.
"I see a lot of potential here especially as our team has been reacting very well over the past four races," Schumacher muttered in the Mercedes GP race preview.
"We have worked on general improvements to the car, as well as specific developments in downforce and efficiency, and I am confident that we have room to make further progress in the future.
"Our step forward in Barcelona will be bigger than you can make at each race during the flyaways but it would not be realistic to expect us to suddenly be competing right at the front."
He added that he was looking forward to a better personal performance in Barcelona, saying: "I am hoping for a better race in Barcelona than I had in China and of course I would not mind having had better results so far.
"However the good news is that after three years away, I am feeling extremely motivated. So I am clearly ready to take this challenge."
His team mate Rosberg, meanwhile, said that it felt good to be in such a strong position in the early stages of the championship, adding that he was looking forward to seeing how the upgrades affected the car.
"It's a very nice feeling to be going into the European season with second place in the Drivers' Championship and with a significant upgrade for our car in Barcelona next weekend," the young German grinned.
"From talking to the guys at the factory, I know that they having been working really hard to get everything ready on time and it will be interesting to see the effect that the new developments have on the car."
Team principal Ross Brawn explained that the new package represented the "first step" in improving the troublesome W01.
"The Spanish Grand Prix will see the first step in our development programme for the MGP W01," Brawn trumpeted, "In addition to a major aerodynamic and bodywork package, we have made changes to the wheelbase of the car which will help the overall handling and weight distribution."
He added that: "Everyone at our factories in Brackley and Brixworth has worked extremely hard to ensure that the cars and our new developments are ready for Barcelona following the delayed return from China and we look forward to evaluating the impact on our pace whilst remaining conscious that this is very much a first step in improving our competitiveness."
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