McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh is hoping the pro-active philosophy adopted within the team will please the FIA.

Richard Lapthorne does not officially take up the role of McLaren Group chairman from Ron Dennis until June 1, but he was embroiled in a number of meetings at the Sakhir circuit.

At one stage, and despite the 35 degree centigrade heat, Lapthorne and Whitmarsh sat and had a discussion with Alan Donnelly, right-hand man of FIA president Max Mosley.

In Dennis' era, there is no way such a meeting would have unfolded in full view of the paddock, but since his departure nearly three weeks ago, a new culture at McLaren has emerged - more open and up front.

Whitmarsh, who has already thrown himself on the mercy of the World Council by writing a letter of unreserved apology for his team's deceit, will tomorrow adopt a non-confrontational approach.

He will face the WMSC alone, with no legal representation present, as he discusses the five charges levied against his team for which they have already admitted their guilt.

McLaren's company lawyer, Timothy Murnane, will accompany Whitmarsh although he is only acting in an observational capacity.

Since world champion Lewis Hamilton and Dave Ryan, who was sacked as McLaren sporting director, were caught lying to the stewards at the Australian Grand Prix in a bid to claim third place, the team have taken positive steps to show they are turning over a new leaf.

Hamilton's apology, Ryan's dismissal, Dennis' exit, Whitmarsh's letter, Lapthorne's presence in Bahrain, all point to a changing of attitude and ways within the team.

As one insider remarked: "They can't go crucifying us now."

Naturally, there is the intention of softening whatever blow may be delivered by the WMSC, headed by Mosley, and which includes amongst its number, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

At the end of the day, McLaren are still in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code, relating to fraudulent conduct or act prejudicial to the sport.

But equally, in attempting to move forward, they are eager to build bridges with the FIA as Whitmarsh appreciates they have not always done so in the past.

"We're trying to build a relationship with the FIA, and beyond that looking ahead," confirmed Whitmarsh.

"Historically, on moderate regulation issues we've always had that relationship.

"But I think we have to build in some other areas of that to make sure we steer this team in the right direction.

"I've been working with the FIA most recently, and I'm grateful for the support they've given me and this team.

"Hopefully that is the start of us building a better relationship in the future.

"I'm pushing hard to take this team forward, and that's what we are going to try and do."

Asked if he was hopeful whether tomorrow will see an end to the matter, and then that there would be no punitive punishment, his short answers were "yes" to the first and "no" to the latter.

Expanding on that, he replied: "We are co-operating with the FIA, and it's for the World Motor Sport Council to decide what necessary steps should be taken."

As witnessed with the 'spy-gate' scandal 19 months ago when McLaren were thrown out of the constructors' championship and fined US100 million dollars, the WMSC can impose severe penalties.

It is anticipated Hamilton will escape punishment as he has already been penalised given his disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix, and subsequent apology.

No-one is anticipating either that McLaren will face a race ban or be excluded from the championship, with a fine, suspended sentence or points deduction in the constructors' the likely penalties.

Since taking up the role of team principal on March 1, the last few weeks have been extraordinarily tough on Whitmarsh, who tendered his resignation at one stage that was rejected by the sponsors.

Questioned on whether it had been worth the hassle, he replied: "You have moments of dark thoughts, and it's been tough.

"I've been involved in the sport for 20 years, and I guess there have not been too many surprises.

"But we've had a range of disappointments this year, and I openly said I considered what I should be doing with my future.

"At the moment we are focused on improving the car, battling on and making sure we get McLaren back to where they should be.

"That's what I'm focusing on."