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McLaren driver Jenson Button does not expect Honda to make a big step in performance with its Formula 1 engine for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

The British team got both cars to the finish last time out at Shanghai, but 2009 world champion Button believes the demands of the Sakhir circuit will prevent Honda from being able to push its engine much harder this weekend.

"It was a big deal for Honda to finish with both cars," Button said in Bahrain on Thursday.

"We're obviously pushing the engine a lot more than we were in Melbourne so it's very positive.

"But I don't think you'll see a big step forward in terms of outright power here.

"It's a very difficult race for everyone because of the long straights, the heat and also the wind that will bring a lot of sand.

"That's something that every single engine manufacturer needs to be careful of."

PROGRESS FOR THE SPANISH GP

Both Button and Fernando Alonso are expecting big things from McLaren for the Spanish Grand Prix, which will start F1's European season in early May.

"The bigger and more interesting step for us is when we get back to Europe from here," said Button.

"I think in Barcelona you will see a good step - we've got a lot happening before Monaco [on May 24].

"When we find more pace with the power unit in Barcelona, I think we will find ourselves jump up the grid quite a bit."

Alonso added: "The most important thing is that there is a big difference from the Bahrain race to Barcelona.

"Hopefully from Barcelona we can enjoy the races a little bit more, but we need to talk about this with our feet on the ground.

"The goal is to keep improving and not concentrate on position 15, 13 or 17.

"Until we fight for important things it doesn't matter too much."