Sauber vow to keep momentum

Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez are determined to keep up their strong momentum from Melbourne when the Formula 1 circus hits Malaysia next weekend.

In Australia Sauber proved that their promising winter form was genuine as Perez drove an amazing race to seventh on his debut and Kobayashi took eighth - though both were later disqualified for a rear wing infringement.

Kobayashi acknowledged that Sepang brought very different challenges, but hopes Sauber will stay at the head of the midfield group.

"After our good performance in Melbourne we are, of course, very motivated for the next race," he said.

"The guaranteed higher temperatures in Malaysia, though, will make a big difference.

"I especially expect the tyre degradation to be significantly higher there, so this might result in different race strategies.

"Another challenge could be if we get a wet race, as this happens quite often in Malaysia.

"But we are now very confident about our performance after what we did in Melbourne.

"I hope we can continue like that with our pace."

Perez believes Sauber have to keep aiming for points now they've shown what they can do.

"I think we have a good car," he said.

"It is quick enough to aim for points and it was reliable. I hope we can keep this consistency and do more good races."

The Mexican reckons he will be quicker still in Malaysia now he's got one grand prix under his belt.

"Now after I have my debut grand prix weekend behind me I know a lot better what to expect in qualifying and the race, and this gives me even more confidence," said Perez.

Sauber's technical director James Key added that the car would have a few upgrades for Sepang.

"The car will have some updates with some new bodywork at the rear and some new brake duct developments," said Key.

"We are looking forward to a strong result."