Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed that personnel changes have been made in key areas of McLaren's pit-team ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Team change personnel after errors in China and Bahrain
Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed that personnel changes have been made in key areas of McLaren's pit-team ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Errors during the stops, particularly with the left-rear have cost McLaren points this season, as they aim to end Red Bull's dominance.
In China, Button was denied the chance of a late charge at Nico Rosberg by a slow final change of tyres as the left wheel nut cross-threaded at the first time of asking.
A week later in Bahrain, Hamilton encountered two issues with his left-rear wheel, with Whitmarsh replacing the mechanic operating the gun for the last stop.
Whitmarsh was forced to console the man concerned after the race as he admitted he had taken the situation "very badly".
Following an internal review of their pit-stop procedures and further practice at last week's test in Mugello, alterations have been made ahead of this weekend's race at the Circuit de Catalunya.
"We've looked at what we are doing and have made some changes to the team and the process and we'll see them on Sunday in Barcelona - or you may see them on the earlier days if you are interested enough to watch pit-stop practice," Whitmarsh said.
"There's enormous pressure on the guys. At a team like McLaren you are targeting a sub three-second stop.
"It's a huge physical challenge. If you've held a wheel gun it's really heavy and it's not an easy task.
Pressure
"It's being done on some very hot components with the eyes of hundreds of millions bearing down on your back.
"So I am always in awe of the level of the volunteers we have, but we have made some changes as you might expect following the last race.
"I wondered whether we'd have volunteers for some of the more critical elements, but I was astounded by how many guys in the team wanted to put themselves in that very challenging position.
"It reflects well on the spirit of the team. There's since been a reasonable amount of practice and we'll see at the weekend. I believe we'll have good stops."
