Villeneuve confident

Despite his early retirement in the Bahrain Grand Prix, BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Jacques Villeneuve is optimistic when it comes to the race at the 'Sepang International Circuit'. He looks forward to a busy weekend.

Prior to his retirement on lap 30, Jacques held a promising ninth position in the season opener in Bahrain, and battled for World Championship points. The 1997 World Champion hopes to be able to continue this level in Malaysia. Following the first GP weekend of the 2006 season, the BMW Sauber F1 Team and Villeneuve left Bahrain to travel straight to Kuala Lumpur and prepare for the second round of the season. "Malaysia will be a very busy Grand Prix for the BMW Sauber F1 Team because it is the home race of our main sponsor, Petronas," said Villeneuve.

The 'Sepang International Circuit' is located about 75 kilometres from Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, amidst the tropical rain forest. Hence, the drivers will have to cope with heat and extreme humidity. Nonetheless, the circuit is very popular with the drivers. But Jacques admits that good fitness is a must in order to successfully contest this race, saying: "The track is quite interesting and physically very demanding because of its long high-speed corners that generate high lateral g-forces. All this takes place in high ambient temperatures with an extreme humidity, which means that you really need to be physically well prepared. I am confident for the race."