Fernando Alonso believes that McLaren's performance in qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix shows that the team is making good progress.

The Woking-based constructor have struggled since rekindling their once-successful partnership with Honda, but in Barcelona, both cars progressed beyond Q1 for the first time this season.

However, Alonso, who will start from 13th on the grid, is still setting his sights on winning races eventually.

He told reporters: "We know there's a long way to go, but the team's work is excellent. It was more or less as expected. We need to take another step if we want to be in Q3.

"It's the first time this season that both cars are in Q2, which is still a very low goal because we want to win and be on pole, but you have to go step by step and it's been confirmed again here that are moving in the right direction.

"Finishing ninth or tenth will not change my life. I want to win and be world champion. If the first points come here, they will be welcome but I think our goal is much higher than tomorrow's race."

Alonso's McLaren teammate Jenson Button qualified 14th at the Circuit de Catalunya.