Williams want to improve qualifying form

The team enjoyed a strong weekend, with Nico Rosberg claiming his first Formula One podium after crossing the finish line in third place.

And although Rosberg had qualified in a promising seventh position, Michael reckons there is room for improvement in that area.

"Although our qualifying performance in Australia wasn't bad, particularly considering the time we lost in practice and then the red and yellow flags during qualifying itself, it wasn't good enough and didn't meet our expectations," said Michael in a team preview.

"We are therefore heading to Malaysia with a view to improving that and to build upon our second place in the constructors' championship. It seems that the field is very close this year so any additional tenths that we can find will help significantly."

Rosberg himself expects Williams to be stronger at Sepang, although he admits it will not be easy to repeat the podium finish.

"Sepang is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar," he said. "We should be stronger there than we were in Melbourne as well, especially if we have the whole weekend to prepare properly, so we're looking for another good performance.

"Perhaps not a podium, but another solid points-scoring finish. We seem to have a car that isn't too tough on its tyres so, with the heat in Malaysia, that's a positive."