Mark Webber is aiming to finish in Malaysia for the first time

The Williams driver finished fifth in the opening race in Australia, but knows Malaysia will be a sterner test.

"I want to get a result. A podium would be fantastic, to finish in the points here would be very good," he said.

Renault dominated in Melbourne, with Giancarlo Fisichella winning the race and Fernando Alonso coming third.

Webber is aware that they are the team that Williams should have in their sights.

"We know Renault are the pace.

"We're not kidding ourselves that we're going to catch them in two minutes, it will take time, but we want to try and close this gap," he said.

Webber insisted that he is a better driver than he was when he finished 13th in the drivers' championship for Jaguar last season.

"I used to overcook the steak a little bit, I'm older and wiser now," he said.

The new rules governing engines and tyres could play a major part in Sunday's race in Sepang.

F1 rule changes explained

"Managing the engine here is a priority for us.

"It's a vicious cocktail for the drivers because you have the adrenalin, the concentration , the heat in the car," Webber said.

"If you run into troubles early in Sepang, you're in for a horrible, horrible afternoon."