Arrows aim high for Malaysia

That is despite Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Enrique Bernoldi only lining up 15th and 17th in their Cosworth-powered A23s. Then both stalled on the grid after their batteries drained of power, and when they did eventually join the race, they were black-flagged for separate reasons.

But Arrows technical director Mike Coughland reckons the Malaysian Sepang circuit will suit their car and a good result is a realistic possibility. "For us, it will be the start of the season because of the events in Australia which let us down," he said. "Sepang is a track that should suit our car well and as the A23 cools very quickly, the heat shouldn't be an issue.

"We ran very well there last year, challenging for second and running in the top six for a good part of the race [with Jos Verstappen]. Obviously we won't be hoping for the same monsoon conditions, but I think we can aim for a top 10 position in qualifying, and assuming all goes well, that should set us in good stead for the race."

Frentzen said of the circuit: "Sepang is one of the most modern tracks in F1 and the people there are always very welcoming. The track has very quick corners, and is quite technically demanding, but has a relatively smooth surface so it is nice to drive. The very hot and humid weather can sometimes make it difficult in the race, but I am sure we will cope!"