Sepang will prove who's fastest, says Webber

Williams driver Mark Webber believes this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix could give a better reflection of teams’ speed capabilities.

Making his debut in the Williams just over a week ago at the Australian Grand Prix, Webber came home a career-equalling best of fifth in the BMW-powered car after starting from third position on the grid.

The first qualifying session in Melbourne was badly affected by rain, making the opening grid of the season more topsy-turvy than usual. Webber believes if the weather remains the same throughout the weekend at Sepang, everyone will have a better idea of who really is the strongest team.

“I think we’ll get a true reflection of people’s pace at Sepang because the results from qualifying one in Melbourne were affected by heavy rain,” said Webber.

“If we get a consistent weekend in Malaysia, we will get an idea of where everyone stands.”

Webber admits however, that the race will prove tough, particularly because of the effects the heat has on not only the drivers but the cars.

“I have both good and bad memories of Malaysia. Obviously, qualifying on the front row last year was great, but then I had a very poor start,” Webber said.

“The race is a tremendous challenge for the drivers and the teams because of the high temperatures, and the impact this has on car cooling, braking and tyre performance.

“Despite all of this, I think Sepang is a very, very good circuit. The weather can be quite unpredictable though, it’s always one thing or the other, and when it rains, it really rains.

“Because of all these variables, I’m looking forward to the Malaysian Grand Prix.”

Webber’s team-mate Nick Heidfeld failed to finish in his first race behind the wheel of a Williams in Australia after a collision with Michael Schumacher on lap 41.

But the German is hoping for better luck in Malaysia, an area he knows fairly well.

“The Malaysian Grand Prix is an exceptional race, particularly because of the area’s high temperatures and high humidity,” Heidfeld said.

“During the years with Sauber, I spent a bit of time in Malaysia so I know my way around pretty well. I am also looking forward to racing at the Sepang circuit as it’s one of my favourite tracks and one I hope to handle well.”