Malaysian GP Boss Predicts Exciting Race

Malaysian Grand Prix bosses believe this weekend's race will once and for all prove wrong the doubters who have criticised the sport's governing body, the FIA, for introducing dramatic new rule changes into Formula One this year.

The jury is still out on whether the changes have been a success because any effects the may have had were clouded by unpredictable conditions at the season-opening Grand Prix in Australia.

But Sepang International Circuit (SIC) general manager Ahmad Mustafa believes the changes and the added pressure on Ferrari to get back on the podium will spice up the action at this year's Malaysian race.

"This time, Ferrari can't afford a non-podium finish because Coulthard has 10 points," Mustafa said. "That makes it exciting. I can safely say that this year we will see an exciting race.

"The one-shot qualifying will also be an interesting spectacle because the drivers and their teams have to put all their focus on churning out one good lap. This will open up the competition and give the smaller teams a chance.

"It is up to them to take advantage of the new rules and use it to their benefit. I will be gunning for a Sauber Petronas victory. I feel that they are Malaysian."

The action gets underway at Sepang on Friday morning, with a test session for Jordan, Minardi, Renault and Jaguar, before the one-shot qualifying begins in the afternoon.