• Malaysian Grand Prix

Sutil on Sepang's 'interesting challenges'

ESPNF1 Staff
March 31, 2010 « FIA not interested in Red Bull car | »
Adrian Sutil's season got off to a bad start on the first lap in Bahrain, but he is confident he can kick-start it in Malaysia © Sutton Images
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Force India's Adrian Sutil said he is determined to put the disappointment of the Australian Grand Prix behind him in Malaysia this weekend. Sutil, who finished 12th in Bahrain after a first-lap spin and was then forced to retire after nine laps in Melbourne, said he was confident heading to Sepang.

"It's always a good event, very tough physically, but there's a variety of corners and also some overtaking spots so it's an event I look forward to. The weather, as we saw last year, always throws up some interesting challenges. This year we don't have to pray for rain as we have done in the past, we can deal with the conditions whatever they are.

"I really want to get some points on board in this race, I've had two races where I should have scored, so I want to finish the job now. We're pretty competitive across different tracks and not that far behind the big four so at this point it's very encouraging."

Sutil's team-mate Tonio Liuzzi, who was seventh in Australia, said the priority for the team was to catch the big four. "For sure it won't be easy because they are a great team and they will develop. But we are working hard back at Silverstone, and working well."

Sutil explained the problems Malaysia presents and how he has been preparing. "It's such a tough event with the heat and the humidity. You can lose up to four kilos over the race so fitness and concentration is absolutely key.

"The night after the Australian Grand Prix I flew straight to Malaysia to acclimatise and I've also spent three days in Langkawi training, doing a lot of running, swimming, sea kayaking and so on, really just getting used to exercise in these type of conditions. I feel really good, very relaxed, and confident in the team and the car now so I can't wait to get back out there."

"The track should suit more the characteristics of our car, so I think we'll be in an interesting position," Liuzzi added. "I've got to work on my qualifying performance and try and get into Q3 for the first time and then, of course, keep those points coming."

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