Williams believe they can win in Malaysia

"Absolutely. We can do it," said Michael after Nico Rosberg posted the third quickest time in today's qualifying. His teammate Mark Webber will start from fourth after Ferrari's Michael Schumacher is relegated for changing his engine.

"The second row of the grid with both cars is genuine. And we were worried about qualifying. Tomorrow is the area where we will be strong," added Michael.

Twenty-year old Rosberg continued the impressive start to his Formula One career by outpacing his more experienced teammate Webber, considered as one of the best qualifiers.

Michael admitted they are surprised by Rosberg's speed.

"He's fantastic really. He is faster than we expected at this stage," he said. "We wanted to give him a shot and see after seven or eight races. I mean, for his second grand prix to go P3 on the grid is really, really good especially for such a hard circuit as Malaysia.

"It's a real technical circuit and he'd never done a lap here before he came here. There's not much he's doing wrong and he showed in Bahrain that he can overtake. He's very impressive."

Rosberg, last year's GP2 champion, set the fastest lap and scored points with seventh place on his debut last weekend in Bahrain.

The young German, the son of former world champion Keke, has overshadowed teammate Webber, but Michael believes the Australian is not letting that affect him.

"Mark's fine. He's mature and is confident in his own ability."

Rosberg played down the hype surrounding him and said he had no problems with being compared to his father.

"I've got no problem coping with everything that is happening. I just let it happen and concentrate on my own thing. I do the best job I can do.

"It will take some time just to be 'Nico'. But that doesn't matter to me. It is more important to get the team support around me. I think my dad is very proud and happy, but he also sees the pessimistic side too and how it can all go wrong tomorrow."