JENSON Button admits there is a lot of work to do if Honda are to match their expectations after a disappointing performance in the first official practice sessions of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Button finished the morning session in fifth place but could manage only 14th in afternoon practice as he struggled with the car's stability.

Button has already written off his team's chances of a podium finish here and has expressed doubts about whether they will even be able to secure a top-ten finish during qualifying.

And the 27-year-old believes it is crucial they are able to get to the bottom of the problems that undermine the Honda car.

"We haven't had the best winter," said Button "We have been improving the car all the time but it is still not where we want it to be.

"This weekend is going to be a tough one for us but it is also a very important one for us so we can completely understand what our issues are with the car.

"We are really struggling as I am sure a few other guys found out today on the racing, we just cant slow the car down and there is a stability issue as well.

"But that is just part of it. We understand the issues and we will just have to keep working hard, but this weekend is going to be a tough one."

Button admitted that while disappointing, Honda's performance during practice had not come as a surprise.

But he insisted that they will still go out and do their best during the weekend.