Malaysia Preview Quotes: Ferrari

Michael Schumacher: "Little by little I am becoming impatient for the next race. The fact is that after such a good start to the season I can't wait for Sepang. In Formula One things can change very rapidly and we shouldn't forget that we have always done well in Australia. Malaysia, as well as being a very difficult race, is also unpredictable because of the climate. It isn't one of our favourite tracks.

"At Sepang we will be able to really understand what the set up of the car is like and whether we can challenge for victory. For us the season has opened well; things look promising. If, on the other hand, we get left behind in Malaysia then things will become more difficult. Malaysia, with its very high temperatures, will make it particularly difficult on the car and, above all, on the tyres. I have to say that if the tyres function perfectly in the high temperatures of Malaysia...well things would be looking decidedly interesting. We will find out soon enough!"

Rubens Barrichello: "Everyone was surprised how competitive we were in Melbourne, and I know other teams and some people in the media are hoping that we will not go as well in Malaysia as we did in Australia, but I am afraid I am just going to have to disappoint them. The first day of the Valencia test was something of a washout because of the rain and I only did 19 laps. But the second day was much more productive. It was a good test and we were able to finalise our choice of Bridgestone tyres to use at the Sepang circuit. We have got a very good compound, with plenty of grip and with good enough wear characteristics to deal with the heat and I think it is going to be very strong for us. The tyres are getting better all the time. This is only the beginning and we are still trying many new tyres for the rest of the season.

"The last couple of years in Malaysia, we raced with the previous year's car and we were up against tough competition so we struggled a little bit. I don't think we will have such a big advantage over our rivals as we did in Australia and we can expect it to be a tougher weekend than in Melbourne, but we are going to be competitive. This car runs better in hot conditions than its predecessor and we will be better prepared for Malaysia than in the past. We could be facing tougher opposition, but I expect we will be on the pace. We know what to expect and we just have to do our job and get the full potential out of the car.

"As for the heat in Malaysia, it does not bother me and in fact I quite enjoy the conditions there and I am looking forward to it. It's great to be racing again and I am looking forward to this eighteen race season. I think more races and less testing is the way to go. I have to say that while I was testing in Valencia, sometimes I felt like sleeping after all the travelling! But, now I'm here in Malaysia I'm on top form again. I can't wait for Sunday."