The penultimate round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport takes place in Shanghai this weekend and A1 Team Malaysia heads to the city off the back of a win at the Mexico City event, and the confidence of being a winner at last season's China visit.

The highly competitive environment of A1GP will return to the Shanghai track with 23 teams vying for victory in the overall championship standings. A1 Team Malaysia currently lies fifth but with only eleven points separating the nation from third placed Great Britain, and 17 points on offer this weekend, there's every reason for the Malaysian team to be setting their sights on a top three finish for the season.

Alex Yoong, driving for the team this season, had one of the team's strongest showings in Mexico three weeks ago. A win and a fifth place finish helped to leapfrog the team to fifth place in the overall standings. The strong performance at last year's Shanghai event, with a win and a second place finish, gives the team the confidence to aim for further podium success.

The weekend starts with a rookie session, for young, up-and-coming drivers from each nation competing. Aaron Lim (right) debuted for the team in this role at the Mexico event and returns this week, to continue supporting the team and gaining valuable top level racing experience. Lim has prior knowledge of the Shanghai circuit after racing at the venue two years ago in Formula BMW.

He says, "I had such a great time in Mexico; I just can't wait to be with the team again. Whether I'm in the car or in the garage, and sitting with the engineers and Alex, at all times I'm just learning so much. There's so much to absorb, and with these highly skilled professionals, it's a privilege to be part of the team.

Driving in Shanghai probably isn't as nerve-wracking for me as it was at Mexico. Firstly, because I know the track, but more importantly, because I've completed my first weekend. I know what goes on, what's expected of me, how it all works, so it's not so daunting for me. I think excitement has now just taken over and I'm only anxious to be in the car and experiencing the A1GP car again."

Yoong returns to the cockpit on the back of a strong performance in Mexico and is aiming high for China. He explains, "At the last race weekend we made a real step forward by being on the pace right from the first practice session. That made a big difference for us and it meant that when we had a small mechanical issue the next day we didn't lose our momentum and could stay up front. If we can repeat this strategy in China, particularly with our knowledge of the track and having a good setup from last year, we should be able to better our position in the points standings."

Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive of A1 Team Malaysia adds, "With two events to go to the end of the season, the team is as motivated as ever to do well. Whilst we have high hopes for the weekend in Shanghai, we must keep our feet firmly on the ground, because as we all know, motorsport is a highly unpredictable business. Each and every member of the team will do his job to 100% of his ability and we will see where that takes us by Sunday evening."