Jenson Button is confident McLaren have left no stone unturned in their efforts to produce their best F1 car ever...
Entering his fourth season as a McLaren driver, Button has yet to recapture the form that carried him to the 2009 Drivers' Championship title with Brawn GP.
The blame for that, though, has not always rested with the Brit.
Last season was at times an erratic one for McLaren, who struggled to turn their pace into results due to reliability issues and basic errors.
This year, though, Button believes McLaren will put all that behind him as the team has taken strides to ensure the car is "bulletproof" and that operationally they cut out all errors.
"I'm going into my fourth season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver and, more than ever, I know and understand the strengths and abilities of this team," said the 33-year-old.
"This year is really about continuity and consolidation.
"We were extremely strong throughout the whole of the 2012 season, but, for one reason or another, we couldn't quite pull it all together to challenge for the Championships.
"That's something we want to address for 2013. I've seen just how closely everybody has been working together on this car, and I think we've got the basis for a very strong season.
"We'll be working extremely hard during the pre-season to ensure we go to the first race with bulletproof reliability. Operationally, too, I think we've learned and developed from last year, and that will help us run a much smoother and stronger campaign.
"This year's car is the best we've ever made - I know the engineers have left absolutely no stone unturned in wringing every ounce of performance from every available area.
"I cannot wait to get behind the wheel and attempt to carry forward the incredible legacy that lives beneath the skin of every single man and woman who works at McLaren."
This season Button will assume the unofficial title of team leader given that, for the first time at McLaren, he has a new team-mate in Sergio Perez.
The Mexican racer, who joins McLaren from Sauber, has just two years experience to his name.
"Obviously, the biggest change for 2013 is my new team-mate, Checo," said Button.
"It's always interesting and inspiring to begin working with a new face, and it already feels like a very positive working relationship.
"I know from personal experience that it can feel initially daunting when you walk into the McLaren Technology Centre for the very first time, but I also remember how quickly I was made to feel at home and how welcoming I found the whole McLaren family. I'm sure Checo already feels very much at ease here."
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