Kuala Lumpur is an important GP for BMW - Theissen

After the first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, the BMW Sauber F1 Team moves on to its first home race of the year, the Malaysian Grand Prix. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen looks ahead to the coming weekend, when he is expecting a taxing race in the home of premium partner Petronas.

Mario Theissen: "No sooner have we ticked off the season opener in Australia than Malaysia is already beckoning. This Grand Prix is a kind of home race for us. Since 2006 we have experienced the sheer charisma that our premium partner Petronas has in Malaysia. The euphoric welcome extended to our team in this country is a fantastic experience every time, and the various events held at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers have always exerted a magnetic pull. As part of its Asia strategy, the BMW Group has ramped up its involvement in Malaysia over recent years. The race in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area is an important grand prix for both BMW and Petronas.

"Following the unexpectedly hot battle in Melbourne, we now head for the steam bath of Sepang. Not only are temperatures above 30° Celsius, but humidity levels are also extremely high due to the proximity to the equator. Consequently, we are looking ahead to this test of endurance with bated breath."