Boullier: The field has closed up

McLaren boss Eric Boullier believes that the midfield battle this year will be closely contested after many teams showed signs of improvement on last year during testing.

After positive testing for many of the midfield teams, Eric Boullier is expecting a hard fought battle this season, with many teams in the mix for 4th place in the constructors' championship.

Bosses from Renault and Haas have already said that they are targeting P4, which has been held by Force India for the last few years.

Boullier said: "Obviously we are trying to guess where we are. It's difficult to understand because of the tyres situation, temperatures, engine mode, fuel load.

"It's complex this year, more complex this year than ever.

"It looks to me like there is some teams who progressed well, Haas, Renault.

"I think the fight at the front will still be between Mercedes and Ferrari and Red Bull. The pack gets closer.

"And I believe we belong in the middle of the front."

Boullier and McLaren are hoping for improved results this year since switching from Honda to Renault engines.

They were 9th in last season's constructors' championship.