Fauzy aims high for home race

Fauzy scored a win and a second place at the first round of the year at Zandvoort last month, and a fifth place at Chengdu two weeks ago kept Malaysia five points clear of their nearest challengers, France and Ireland.

He is hoping that the home support this weekend will help him to keep the team at the top of the standings.

"After such a brilliant start to the season at Zandvoort the pressure was on to stay at the front, and leaving China with the lead has given me a big confidence boost," said Fauzy.

"Racing at our home circuit gives us an extra buzz. The tremendous support we're given may add to the pressure, but it's a positive for us - it fires us all up, the adrenalin pumps and it really helps us.

"We all really enjoy the attention and focus and I'm delighted that Team Malaysia have put their faith in me and given me the chance to compete for my country in my home race."

Fauzy also reckons that the Sepang circuit will give the new 600bhp Powered by Ferrari car the first opportunity to really stretch its legs.

"It will be the perfect track for the new car with its long straights and sweeping corners," he added. "We'll achieve top speeds we haven't seen yet and with the power boost we should reach in excess of 300kph (187mph)."