Formula One:Lewis Hamilton would love nothing more than "an uninterrupted weekend" in China over the next few days.
Hamilton's sentiment is understandable after the troubles - on and off track - he endured in during the Australia and Malaysia Grand Prix races.
A skirmish with the Melbourne police for smoking his tyres in his hired Mercedes messed with Hamilton's mindset, resulting in a difficult qualifying session for the 25-year-old.
In Malaysia a week later, it was McLaren's over-reliance on their supercomputers that wrecked that qualifying hour at Sepang as they attempted to second-guess the weather conditions.
Hamilton, though, produced what team principal Martin Whitmarsh has since described as "drives of his career" to claim sixth in the two races that followed, ensuring he is still in touch in the title race.
Trailing early championship pace-setter Felipe Massa by eight points after three races, Hamilton is happy enough with his position but would appreciate a more routine weekend.
"After Malaysia I had a little bit of time to reflect on the year so far," said Hamilton, who is also four points behind team-mate Jenson Button.
"I'm pleased with the results Jenson and I have been able to achieve in some challenging circumstances.
"But I'm now really looking forward to an uninterrupted weekend in China so we can focus on racing and competing with the other leading teams in the championship."
For his part, Whitmarsh knows his team have yet to hit the heights this year, which is why he is in no doubt that challengers Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes should beware McLaren's desire to raise their game.
"By our own very high standards, we've not fully met our very high expectations in the first three races," said Whitmarsh.
"But that's merely a reflection of the fact we at McLaren aim to excel at all times.
"But one of the greatest qualities of this team is its considerable strength in depth.
"After establishing a strong and solid start to the season, we're confident we'll become an even more formidable contender as we head into China and then the start of the European season."
The Shanghai International Circuit has served up a mixture of highs and lows for Hamilton over the years, notably in 2007 when he slid off into the gravel on worn tyres with the title in his grasp.
A year later he served up a memorable victory en route to clinching the championship, and he feels another win is not beyond the realms of possibility on Sunday.
"After three races we've been satisfied with our race pace, and we feel comfortable we'll be up at the front," said Hamilton.
"Overtaking is possible at this circuit, particularly at the end of the long back straight, so I'm pretty confident we'll have another competitive weekend."