Heikki Kovalainen has been backed to finally emerge from his bad luck slump and become a grand prix winner.
After a relatively strong start to the season following his move to McLaren from Renault, Kovalainen has since endured a wretched run.
The Finn finished fifth, third and fifth in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain and could count himself amongst the title contenders.
But in Spain a faulty wheel rim led to Kovalainen sustaining mild concussion after hurtling nose-first into a tyre barrier at 150mph.
Kovalainen bounced back in Turkey, but after lining up second on the grid, he sustained a puncture at the first corner after being clipped by compatriot Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari, finishing 12th.
Then in Monaco 11 days ago, Kovalainen was forced to start from the pit lane due to a technical issue ahead of the warm-up lap and could only collect a point by the end of the race.
It means he goes into Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix 23 points off the pace being set by team-mate Lewis Hamilton, but with words of praise ringing in his ears from McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh.
"Heikki has performed brilliantly in his first six races with the team, but has to come out of them with some disappointment," said Whitmarsh.
"Whilst there is underlying satisfaction with his personal performance, Heikki has suffered some misfortune, which has taken from him the opportunity to win his first grand prix.
"But he is an extremely positive guy who realises he has a great career ahead of him.
"There is no doubt he is going to enjoy many grand prix victories during the course of his career."
In contrast, though, Hamilton is currently the man in form after hitting back from his nightmare in Bahrain to finish third, second and first in his last three grands prix.
The 23-year-old has underlined his strength and resilience against fierce opposition from Ferrari who have so far been the stronger team overall.
But his win on the streets of Monte Carlo was sensational, and will not only have sent his confidence soaring, but has further galvanised the team.
"Coming out of Monaco, a third of the way through the season, we lead the drivers' championship and are second in the constructors' title," added Whitmarsh.
"Consequently, particularly on the back of a fabulous win, the mood is very good.
"The feeling is there is good development momentum in the team and that we have an exciting season ahead of us.
"Inevitably, Lewis comes out of Monaco in a very positive frame of mind and firmly believing he can build upon that success and have a strong championship fight."
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