Toro Rosso upbeat after first practice

Although Vitantonio Liuzzi was their best driver with the 15th fastest time in the second free practice session on Friday, back-to-back comparisons of tyres and input from third driver Neel Jani have left the team pleased about their first day's efforts.

"I am very happy with today's work," said Liuzzi. "This morning we did not do too many laps, just enough to get the hang of the track. Until today, I had only done one day's running last year, as Red Bull Racing's third driver and I like the track.

"This afternoon, we established quite a good car set-up with which to run in tomorrow's qualifying.  The car is responding well. The heat does not bother me too much, but I tell you, it's like getting a sauna free of charge out there today!"

Scott Speed, who was having his first taste of the Sepang track, was 19th fastest in the second practice session but not too concerned.

"It's my first time here and I like the flowing nature of the track: a bit like Spa was, which means you can experiment with various different lines through the corners and a lot of high speed corners that feed into each other. I now feel I know the track, but I reckon it must be difficult to pass here," he said.

"I had some problems at the back of the car, but we definitely made progress through the day and I am quite happy with our race pace.  I'm not worried about the heat and I'm sure I'm one of the fitter guys in the paddock."

Jani added: "Today was the first time I have driven a Formula 1 car at this track, having raced here in A1. But it still took some getting used to, as you brake much later in the F1 car. I tried the different tyre compounds and I think we have decided on the right one for the race.

"I am feeling more at home in the car here than I did in Bahrain, because, even without doing too many laps, I think I have got a better understanding of the tyres. My lap time was quite good at the end, so I'm happy with today."