Alex Gregory admitted the Great Britain rowing men's four received a "kick up the backside" with their semi-final defeat to arch rivals Australia at the Munich World Cup.
The two fastest crews in the world will meet again in Sunday's final and Britain are determined to lay down a marker heading into the Olympic Games.
The Munich World Cup is the last international regatta before London 2012 and Britain have an impressive 14 finalists in action across 12 Olympic classes, two more than in either Belgrade or Lucerne.
The showdown between the Australians and Britain's flagship crew of Gregory, Andrew Triggs Hodge, Pete Reed and Tom James is shaping up to be one of the Olympic rowing highlights.
Gregory sought to put a brave face on things but the British crew reeked of frustration as they warmed down after the race.
"I am not happy with today's race but it is not a bad thing. It gives us a kick up the backside and more motivation," Gregory said.
"It is always nice to win races and we always want to win races - but there is one race we have to win this year and that is not tomorrow, that is at the Olympics on August 4.
"Everything is just stepping stones to that. Small steps along the way."