Ferrari technical director James Allison believes similarities in certain circuit parameters mean the Scuderia's performance should match that of season opener.

"Normally, we assess tracks based on two parameters; the level of aerodynamic downforce required and the power needed from the power unit," Allison told the team's website. "And if one looks at just these two parameters, Sepang is very similar to Melbourne. Therefore, the car's competitiveness ought to be similar.

"However, in Malaysia, its much hotter and more humid and this is a factor that stresses both the car and the tyres," he admitted. "Furthermore, usually a sudden storm can require an immediate change of strategy: everyone is constantly monitoring the weather, but reaction time is always vitally important."

The car's cooling system is also seriously tested at Sepang, reveals Simone Resta, the team's chief designer. "We have various demands to manage: reliability and performance, the latter both in terms of the power unit and the aerodynamics," he said. "We are still in the early stages of the season, therefore we need to establish an accurate understanding of our true level: in Melbourne, we managed a good top speed, which could be very useful on the two long straights of the Malaysian track.

"At the moment, our pace is pretty good too and, at a circuit like this, where tyre degradation is very high, it could prove to be an advantage for us," he added.

Qualifying fourth (Vettel) and fifth (Raikkonen), the German went on to finish third in the race whilst his Finnish teammate was eliminated after 40 laps when his team failed to fit his wheel correctly during his second pit stop.