Barrichello is confident Ferrari will have no tyre problems in Malaysia

That is the view of Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, who predicts the team will nevertheless fare better than in the past in Malaysia.

"This car runs better in hot conditions than its predecessor and we will be better prepared," Barrichello said.

"We could be facing tougher opposition but I expect we will be on the pace."

Ferrari's Bridgestone tyres have been their Achilles heel in hot temperatures in the past, but the team believe they have overcome this handicap.

Barrichello flew back to Europe last week to test Bridgestone's new hot-weather tyre at Valencia and came away impressed.

I don't think we will have such a big advantage over our rivals as we did in Australia Rubens Barrichello Jonathan Legard's race preview

"We've got a very good compound, with plenty of grip and with good enough wear characteristics to deal with the heat. I think it's going to be very strong for us," he said.

"The last couple of years in Malaysia we raced the previous year's car and we were up against tough competition and we struggled a bit.

"I don't think we will have such a big advantage over our rivals as we did in Australia and we can expect it to be a tougher weekend."

Ferrari number one Michael Schumacher echoed Barrichello's view that Ferrari will not dominate in Malaysia, where track temperatures can reach 55C.

"Malaysia, as well as being a very difficult race, is also unpredictable because of the weather. It isn't one of our favourite tracks," the world champion said.

"At Sepang we will be able to really understand what the set-up of the car is like and whether we can challenge for victory.

"For us, the season has opened well - things look promising.

"If, on the other hand, we get left behind in Malaysia, then things will be more difficult."