Formula 1: McLaren play down British Grand Prix success chances

McLaren say obtaining a podium finish at this weekend's British Grand Prix will be at least "challenging" for their two drivers. The team have had a tough season so far with neither Briton Jenson Button nor Mexican Sergio Perez finishing higher than fifth. McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale says taking points in Sunday's race at Silverstone is a more realistic target than a podium finish or a race win. "We are pushing hard but the reality is there is still a big gap from us to the front of the grid," he said. "Based on recent past performances I think a podium could be challenging. I want to get both cars into Q3 and then race hard for good points. Formula 1 is a fickle sport and you never know what can happen, but we're realistic about our prospects of a win. There isn't going to be a golden bullet." Both Button and Perez failed to pick up points at the last race, the Canadian Grand Prix, finishing 11th and 12th respectively. The result left McLaren sixth in the constructors' championship with 37 points, a whole 164 lengths behind leaders Red Bull. McLaren used one of their straight-line test days in Spain on Tuesday to try their Silverstone upgrade package, as well as gain a better understanding of the car. "The only issue with our car is we lack downforce and that is what we are trying to create at the moment," Neale said. "We've got a range of upgrades for the weekend but we're not there just testing parts, but testing some fundamental understanding issues as well." Here are the odds for the top five favourites of Sunday's race at Bet365: Sebastian Vettel - 7/4 Fernando Alonso - 11/4 Lewis Hamilton - 13/2 Kimi Raikkonen - 7/1 Mark Webber - 8/1