McLaren supremo Ron Dennis has admitted that his team is on a "steep learning curve" as they play catch-up to the rest of the Formula 1 grid.
The Woking-based constructor suffered a double retirement at the Malaysian Grand Prix and have yet to score a point this season.
However, Dennis has suggested that their fortunes could change sooner than many observers will predict.
He told Autoweek: "A whole range of positives came out of the weekend. I think we're very strong in certain parts of the circuit. Clearly we aren't where we want to be with the engine, and nor is Honda, but we are getting there.
"We have a steep learning curve, and of course we want to win races, but we want to be on a path to world championships.
"Yes it's challenging at the moment, but we're working hard with Honda and we will get there sooner than people realise. It goes step by step. It will be Europe before we'll have a pace we can measure."
McLaren finished fifth in last season's constructors' championship.
