Martin Whitmarsh backs Sergio Perez to improve

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh believes that Sergio Perez's display in the Bahrain Grand Prix will stand him in good stead for the remainder of the season.

The 23-year-old finished sixth last weekend, but was criticised for his "dangerous" tactics against teammate Jenson Button.

"He demonstrated the passion, the spark that people expect to see from him," Whitmarsh told reporters at a press conference.

"I don't suppose Mr [Fernando] Alonso was ultra happy afterwards, nor [Mark] Webber, nor others, and that is what we expect and want from him, and that is what he delivered.

"That's what other people expect from him - that fire, that spark."

Sebastian Vettel claimed first position in the race.