McLaren: Alonso gearbox problem not a concern.

Team McLaren-Mercedes have said they are confident that the issue that affected Fernando Alonso in qualifying last weekend won't be a problem this weekend - or for that matter, again this season.

Speaking in the countdown to the British Grand Prix, the ninth round in the 2007 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh explained that as far they are concerned the issue with the gearbox on Alonso's MP4-22 was a one-off. Indeed the Woking-based operation are already said to be 'working to eliminate any recurrence'.

"We had a mixed weekend in France but were able to score points towards our Championships challenges. Whilst we did not take maximum points, we are not disheartened, there is more performance coming to the MP4-22 and Fernando and Lewis both drove well in France and they will continue to get more out of the package," he noted. "We are also confident that the issue with Fernando's gearbox was a one-off and we are working to eliminate any recurrence.

"The Santander British Grand Prix is going to be a big event for the team. The expectations of the British fans for the team are high. Fernando, Lewis and the whole team will be pushing hard to fight for the victory, but there are no guarantees in this sport.

"We hope all the spectators enjoy the race and that the team continues to build on its lead in both Championships. The Silverstone circuit is traditionally pretty tough on tyres, however we collated some useful data at the recent test with Bridgestone which will aid our strategy decisions regarding tyres."

Mercedes boss, Norbert Haug agrees that it won't be easy: "We have won four out of the last eight races at Silverstone; as well as we four out of this year's Grands Prix so far. However, Magny-Cours showed that there is no guarantee of race wins. Ferrari was stronger there and this means that we have to improve further," he added.

"Silverstone will be the first of our two races on home ground; the second will follow two weeks later at the N?rburgring. Many of the employees in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart will have the opportunity to see the team in action and to support them.

"In both races we will have more fans to keep their fingers crossed for us than in the previous races - apart from Spain where we enjoyed the support from Fernando's fans. Our team will do everything to match the high expectations."