Ferrari close to solving engine issues

Continued problems in the piston area of their V8 engine meant Felipe Massa had to have two engine changes in Sepang, while Michael Schumacher also needed a new power-unit before qualifying.

The grid penalties meant the pair were unable to join the battle at the front of the field, but Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt is sure the Italian outfit are now on the right track with their power-units.

"I think we already did one step forward with today's engine," he said on Sunday night. "I think we've understood quite a lot of things. That's why the factory has been working quite hard and it's been positive.

"The problem has been around the piston area. We have a specific failure that comes from the component so it's around that. However, sometimes the final problem is a result of different combinations. The new engines were of a different specification.

"At the moment we are still analysing the problems, before making a final judgement. We need to have very accurate analysis."

The engine problems meant Ferrari used a total of five engines for the first two Grands Prix of the season, with Red Bull Racing's David Coulthard also needing a replacement customer unit in his car after Bahrain.