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Malaysian Grand Prix

Honda happy with solid qualifying 22 March 2008 Honda enjoyed a solid qualifying session in Malaysia today, once again coming close to achieving a position in the top 10. Jenson Button will start tomorrow's Malaysian Grand Prix from 11th place and Rubens Barrichello from 14th. "I'm happy with P11 and to be starting on the right side of the grid for the race," said Button. "The weather was looking changeable with the risk of rain, so we ran early in both sessions to get a banker time in. My final run in the second session was on the option tyres and I'm really happy with the lap as we just missed out on going through by less than 0.1sec." Barrichello commented, "It was unfortunate that we had a problem this morning with the gear selection which limited my running and therefore when you go into qualifying, you are playing catch-up all the time. However it was a good effort this afternoon and I'm happy with how our session developed to eventually finish in 14th position. It would have been nice to have more time this morning to set the car up a little better but we made the best of a difficult situation." Honda engineering chief Steve Clark added, "The forecast is for the possibility of rain and for us a wet race would certainly suit our starting grid slots of P11 and P14. It is also our best chance of scoring points. If the conditions remain dry it will probably be a very tight race in the midfield and we would expect most people to two stop and probably at the same point in the race."

Red Bull happy with qualifying 22 March 2008 Red Bull Racing got more than it expected in qualifying at Sepang as Mark Webber put his car eighth on the grid and David Coulthard recovered from his suspension problem on Friday to qualify twelfth. Become an ereporter "Today went better than expected to be honest," Webber said. "We worked hard on the car yesterday and the guys did a great job to make the improvements that they did, so we've laid the foundations ahead of tomorrow's race. Q3 was quite tricky for a lot of people, as the grip level was lower than in Q2, but we're in a sensible position for the start of the race. If it's half as wild as Melbourne - it will be interesting to see." Coulthard commented, "I was a bit surprised as in qualifying I was slower in the first sector than I had been in the morning practice. I'd lost some mechanical grip, which made it difficult to nail the middle sector. What's happened this weekend doesn't concern me, as a racing driver you never think you're going to have a car failure, so you don't think about it, and I have complete faith in the team too." Team boss Christian Horner added, "A strong qualifying performance from Mark puts him on the fourth row for tomorrow's race. The weather was closing in towards the end of Q3 and it all got a little bit frantic, but P8 is a positive result. David has been recovering today after losing a lot of track time yesterday. He only just missed out on Q3 and starts from 12th,so the target tomorrow is obviously for points."

Malaysian Grand Prix Qualifying 1 F. Massa 1:35.748 2 K. Räikkönen 1:36.230 3 H. Kovalainen 1:36.613 4 L. Hamilton 1:36.709 5 J. Trulli 1:36.711 6 R. Kubica 1:36.727 7 N. Heidfeld 1:36.753 8 M. Webber 1:37.009 9 F. Alonso 1:38.450 10 T. Glock 1:39.656 11 J. Button 1:35.208 12 D. Coulthard 1:35.408 13 N. Piquet jr. 1:35.562 14 R. Barrichello 1:35.622 15 S. Vettel 1:35.648 16 N. Rosberg 1:35.670 17 G. Fisichella 1:36.240 18 K. Nakajima 1:36.388 19 S. Bourdais 1:36.677 20 T. Sato 1:37.087 21 A. Sutil 1:37.101 22 A. Davidson 1:37.481

Malaysian Grand Prix Qualifying 1 F. Massa 1:35.748 2 K. Räikkönen 1:36.230 3 H. Kovalainen 1:36.613 4 L. Hamilton 1:36.709 5 J. Trulli 1:36.711 6 R. Kubica 1:36.727 7 N. Heidfeld 1:36.753 8 M. Webber 1:37.009 9 F. Alonso 1:38.450 10 T. Glock 1:39.656 11 J. Button 1:35.208 12 D. Coulthard 1:35.408 13 N. Piquet jr. 1:35.562 14 R. Barrichello 1:35.622 15 S. Vettel 1:35.648 16 N. Rosberg 1:35.670 17 G. Fisichella 1:36.240 18 K. Nakajima 1:36.388 19 S. Bourdais 1:36.677 20 T. Sato 1:37.087 21 A. Sutil 1:37.101 22 A. Davidson 1:37.481

3rd Free Practice 1 N. Heidfeld 1:35.019 18 2 K. Räikkönen 1:35.262 17 3 F. Massa 1:35.388 17 4 J. Trulli 1:35.389 20 5 M. Webber 1:35.437 16 6 D. Coulthard 1:35.653 17 7 N. Piquet jr. 1:35.768 15 8 J. Button 1:35.781 19 9 S. Vettel 1:35.827 16 10 T. Glock 1:35.911 21 11 L. Hamilton 1:35.927 13 12 F. Alonso 1:36.068 14 13 K. Nakajima 1:36.183 14 14 G. Fisichella 1:36.229 21 15 N. Rosberg 1:36.490 7 16 H. Kovalainen 1:36.529 16 17 R. Kubica 1:36.618 19 18 S. Bourdais 1:36.668 15 19 T. Sato 1:36.908 14 20 A. Sutil 1:36.939 21 21 A. Davidson 1:37.140 12 22 R. Barrichello 1:37.703 6

3rd Free Practice 1 N. Heidfeld 1:35.019 18 2 K. Räikkönen 1:35.262 17 3 F. Massa 1:35.388 17 4 J. Trulli 1:35.389 20 5 M. Webber 1:35.437 16 6 D. Coulthard 1:35.653 17 7 N. Piquet jr. 1:35.768 15 8 J. Button 1:35.781 19 9 S. Vettel 1:35.827 16 10 T. Glock 1:35.911 21 11 L. Hamilton 1:35.927 13 12 F. Alonso 1:36.068 14 13 K. Nakajima 1:36.183 14 14 G. Fisichella 1:36.229 21 15 N. Rosberg 1:36.490 7 16 H. Kovalainen 1:36.529 16 17 R. Kubica 1:36.618 19 18 S. Bourdais 1:36.668 15 19 T. Sato 1:36.908 14 20 A. Sutil 1:36.939 21 21 A. Davidson 1:37.140 12 22 R. Barrichello 1:37.703 6

Malaysian Grand Prix 2nd Free Practice 1 L. Hamilton 1:35.055 32 2 F. Massa 1:35.206 33 3 K. Räikkönen 1:35.428 36 4 J. Button 1:36.037 40 5 S. Vettel 1:36.474 35 6 J. Trulli 1:36.493 38 7 H. Kovalainen 1:36.512 30 8 R. Kubica 1:36.671 33 9 G. Fisichella 1:36.756 37 10 K. Nakajima 1:36.838 34 11 R. Barrichello 1:36.879 38 12 N. Rosberg 1:36.908 36 13 N. Heidfeld 1:37.106 3 14 F. Alonso 1:37.328 23 15 N. Piquet jr. 1:37.331 42 16 M. Webber 1:37.346 37 17 T. Glock 1:37.512 35 18 A. Sutil 1:37.614 35 19 T. Sato 1:39.021 27 20 A. Davidson 1:39.361 30 21 S. Bourdais no time 1 22 D. Coulthard no time

Malaysian Grand Prix 2nd Free Practice 1 L. Hamilton 1:35.055 32 2 F. Massa 1:35.206 33 3 K. Räikkönen 1:35.428 36 4 J. Button 1:36.037 40 5 S. Vettel 1:36.474 35 6 J. Trulli 1:36.493 38 7 H. Kovalainen 1:36.512 30 8 R. Kubica 1:36.671 33 9 G. Fisichella 1:36.756 37 10 K. Nakajima 1:36.838 34 11 R. Barrichello 1:36.879 38 12 N. Rosberg 1:36.908 36 13 N. Heidfeld 1:37.106 3 14 F. Alonso 1:37.328 23 15 N. Piquet jr. 1:37.331 42 16 M. Webber 1:37.346 37 17 T. Glock 1:37.512 35 18 A. Sutil 1:37.614 35 19 T. Sato 1:39.021 27 20 A. Davidson 1:39.361 30 21 S. Bourdais no time 1 22 D. Coulthard no time

Malaysian Grand Prix 1st Free Practice 1 F. Massa 1:35.392 20 2 K. Raikkonen 1:36.459 8 3 H. Kovalainen 1:36.556 21 4 N. Rosberg 1:36.578 23 5 L. Hamilton 1:36.626 17 6 F. Alonso 1:37.022 18 7 N. Piquet jr. 1:37.034 28 8 R. Kubica 1:37.218 9 9 J. Button 1:37.282 17 10 J. Trulli 1:37.540 24 11 N. Heidfeld 1:37.649 17 12 K. Nakajima 1:37.649 18 13 R. Barrichello 1:37.076 20 14 T. Glock 1:37.782 27 15 S. Vettel 1:38.219 26 16 D. Coulthard 1:38.232 7 17 M. Webber 1:38.707 12 18 S. Bourdais 1:38.798 25 19 G. Fisichella 1:39.046 21 20 T. Sato 1:40.178 1 21 A. Davidson 1:40.351 14 22 A. Sutil 1:41.269 5

Malaysian Grand Prix 1st Free Practice 1 F. Massa 1:35.392 20 2 K. Raikkonen 1:36.459 8 3 H. Kovalainen 1:36.556 21 4 N. Rosberg 1:36.578 23 5 L. Hamilton 1:36.626 17 6 F. Alonso 1:37.022 18 7 N. Piquet jr. 1:37.034 28 8 R. Kubica 1:37.218 9 9 J. Button 1:37.282 17 10 J. Trulli 1:37.540 24 11 N. Heidfeld 1:37.649 17 12 K. Nakajima 1:37.649 18 13 R. Barrichello 1:37.076 20 14 T. Glock 1:37.782 27 15 S. Vettel 1:38.219 26 16 D. Coulthard 1:38.232 7 17 M. Webber 1:38.707 12 18 S. Bourdais 1:38.798 25 19 G. Fisichella 1:39.046 21 20 T. Sato 1:40.178 1 21 A. Davidson 1:40.351 14 22 A. Sutil 1:41.269 5

Pato fulfils great expectations The best things in life are worth waiting for, and for AC Milan fans, a first glimpse of Pato in a Rossoneri shirt counts among them. The anticipation surrounding the 18-year-old's debut was huge and he did not disappoint with a goal in a 5-2 victory against SSC Napoli on 13 January. He has scored another five in ten Serie A matches since, with the pick of the bunch coming at Calcio Catania on 27 February. Sheva reminder Orange boots flashing, he cut inside to create space then fired a low shot from 25 metres into the far corner. For Milan supporters, the strike was reminiscent of Andriy Shevchenko in his pomp. The two forwards may have different strengths and styles, but with Pato having inherited the Ukrainian's No7 shirt, Milan are hoping he can emulate the success Shevchenko enjoyed at San Siro. Great expectations Milan signed the precocious Brazilian last summer from SC Internacional but were unable to field him until January because of Italian regulations concerning non-EU minors. Even when he wasn't playing, though, expectations were sky high. "If Pato continues to do what he does in training, he will get 30 goals by June," proclaimed Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, citing the words of coach Carlo Ancelotti. Some youngsters might have crumbled under such pressure. For Pato, it served only as motivation. "I was happy to read the news and listen to people saying I was a great player," he told uefa.com. "I thank them for looking after me, on and off the pitch, and for being my friends. It makes you want to do your best for them." Maturity Pato's maturity, as much as his goals, has impressed Ancelotti. "I left home when I was eleven to play for Internacional, which was quite young. Then, when I was 17, I left Brazil to come to Italy. I was really happy to join a great club like Milan who have welcomed me with open arms. My heart told me: 'Do your best because they are your friends and want to help you.'" With such a big Brazilian presence at Milan, Pato quickly felt at home. "There are eight Brazilian players including me and they have supported me from the start. They still do, on and off the pitch, as they are much more experienced than me." Kaká praise Ballon d'Or winner Kaká is one of them. "Pato is doing brilliantly for a young man of 18 who is just beginning his career at a big European club," Kaká told uefa.com. "He has a massive future. I haven't given him any particular advice, I have just said he should follow what he has in his own mind. So many people tell you so many things, but you've got to follow your instincts, do things your way. I think you can learn a lot from what people tell you, but you learn even more from your own experience." 'Support' For Pato, the warm welcome he received from the likes of Kaká and the other Milan stalwarts came as a surprise. "These are the players I played with on Playstation and watched on television," he said. "They all surprised me when I arrived as they were all humble and friendly with me, giving me the support I needed. Now I want to do my best and help the team more and more." Arsenal disappointment He certainly started as he meant to go on in his belated, goalscoring debut against Napoli. "I was delighted as I managed to do my best and score," he said. "I was also pleased to play with so many stars and with my idol Ronaldo." Pato's first taste of the UEFA Champions League was less sweet, with Milan being eliminated in the first knockout round by Arsenal FC. "The first leg in London was played at a quick tempo and we failed to score the away goals we needed. Then we had the deciding match here in Milan and lost it. We are still down about that." 'Dream' Milan are now fifth in Serie A and in danger of failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Having briefly experienced the élite competition, Pato is desperate to get back there. "Playing in the UEFA Champions League was always a dream of mine. My friends used to play the official UEFA anthem to me, to give me an idea of how it would feel to be there. My objective now is to work hard and win trophies for Milan. I want to become a great player in Italy and to be recognised all over the world." That surely is only a matter of time.

Game Over For Gilardino & Dida? Alberto Gilardino and Nelson Dida are certainly on their way out of Milan at the end of the season, according to Leggo. Gilardino's future at San Siro has been in huge doubt for quite some time now following a third disappointing season for the Rossoneri since his big-money move from Parma in 2005. Milan have made the signing of a top-class centre forward their summer priority, and Gilardino will be the man that makes way for this player. The 25-year-old’s destination is likely to be Fiorentina, where he will link-up again with his old Parma boss Cesare Prandelli. However Sampdoria are also said to be interested. Another player to depart the Stadio Meazza will be goalkeeper Nelson Dida. The Brazilian has had a season ridden with errors, and has lost his first-team place to Zeljko Kalac. Dida is highly likely to return to his homeland of Brazil, with Flamengo, and old club Corinthians the favourites to snap him up. The 34-year-old won the FIFA Club World Championships with Corinthians back in 2000.

Paloschi Thanks Inzaghi For Tip Milan striker Alberto Paloschi impressed yet again in his side's 2-1 defeat against Sampdoria at San Siro on Wedesday evening in the 29th matchday of Serie A. Despite the Rossoneri's defeat, Paloschi managed to shine and grab a goal in what was otherwise a disappointing evening for his side. "There is a bit of regret about not managing to win the three points on Wednesday against Sampdoria," declared the young striker to 'Milan Channel'. "For how things went, a draw would have been good, but unfortunately we did not manage it. “One of my characteristics is that of believing until the end, believing in every ball until the ball goes out or the goalkeeper catches it," he continued. Looking back on his early days at the club, he added, “I arrived at Milan when I was eight years old. It was a surprise for me because a call-up letter arrived at my club by the Rossoneri’s club together with one from Atalanta. "I did not expect it and in the end I chose Milan because it would have given me more possibility to play. "Personally I consider the Primavera as my team. With the young Rossoneri’s formation we started out with the objective of taking something back home, but unfortunately the Coppa Italia and the Torneo di Viareggio did not go well. "Now we hope in the Italian league." Back to last Wednesday, Paloschi wanted to thank Filippo Inzaghi. “On Wednesday, between the first and second half, Pippo Inzaghi suggested to me to play between the two central defenders. His suggestions are always correct and they are very valuable for me," concluded Paloschi.

I'll Be Back Soon - Kaká Kaká talked about the injury suffered in the match against Sampdoria, and said he counts to be back on the pitch soon. During the midweek game against Sampdoria, there was a moment in which all Milan fans held their breath. Star playmaker Kaká suddenly slumped to the ground out of nothing and it seemed like he had suffered a serious injury. Today tests pointed out he has a muscular problem, which will keep him out for a few weeks, but it isn't as serious as feared. "I already feel better," said the Golden Ball winner. "Now let's see how long it will take to get back. I'm working hard with physiotherapy and in the swimming pool. The injury happened in the first few minutes of the match, when I felt a pain as I lifted my leg. "I tried to continue but the muscle hardened; it was the first time such a thing happened to me, so I didn't really know how to handle myself. Then on a counterattack move I felt I couldn't run and so I asked to be substituted." On his call up to the Brazilian national team, he said: "I'll have to present myself, but certainly I won't be able to play in the friendly."

SPECIFIC WORK Two days after his injury against Samp, Kaká talked about his conditions and says he is doing specific work to return on the pitch as quickly as possible. - THE DECLARATIONS OF KAKÁ - MILANELLO - Here are the declarations made today by Ricky Kakà to Milan Channel's microphones at the Milanello sporting center: "I feel better, I suffered a muscular problem and now we'll see how much time will be necessary to come back. I'm working to come back as soon as possible by doing physiotherapy, a bit of work in the pool to avoid running and other movements to allow the muscle to rest. My injury came in the first few minutes of the game, I raised my leg. After that the Sampdoria defender was booked. I tried to stay on the pitch, but the muscle hardened, for me it was the first time it happened so I didn't know how to handle it. On the move of the counterattack I felt I couldn't keep playing and I went off. Certainly I won't be able to play in the friendly with my national team, but I'll still have to present myself after being called up. Tomorrow we are playing against Torino and as we have already shown in the past if the whole team does well the individual players are able to play well too. It's a very delicate and important moment for our season and we can't waste any opportunities to earn crucial points in the race for the fourth place. We have to come on the pitch without fear as we did in the second half against Sampdoria, and show we have the will to win. I thank all the fans for the support they always give us and I wish them all a happy Easter."

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

TORINO-MILAN GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac, DEFENDERS:Digao, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Nesta, Oddo, Simic, MIDFIELDERS:Ambrosini, Brocchi, Emerson, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Seedorf, STRIKERS: Gilardino, Paloschi, Pato.

Cannavaro On Juve, Inter And Raúl Fabio Cannavaro has given his verdict on this weekend’s big match in Serie A between Inter and Juventus, and believes that if the Bianconeri stop Zlatan Ibrahimovic they will go a long way to beating the Nerazzurri. Real Madrid star Cannavaro will have a particular interest in tomorrow night’s game at San Siro, as he played for both Inter and Juventus earlier in his career. "It will be an open game, with an equal chance of either side winning or losing,” said the Italian national team captain. "Del Piero and Ibrahimovic are the key men. There is a substantial difference in favour of Juventus though. If they can stop Ibra, then Inter have less alternatives, while there are players for the Bianconeri like Trezeguet, Nedved, Camoranesi that can transform such games. “I am not saying that Juve are favourites but Inter will have to watch out.” Inter and Juve have developed into the bitterest of enemies since the Calciopoli crisis, with Bianconeri fans almost unanimous in believing that the Nerazzurri were behind a conspiracy to get them relegated. "There is a lot of poison, but not just for what happened two years ago,” said Cannavaro. “The rivalry between Juventus and Inter has always been there, and will always be.” Better If Raúl Does Not Play The 34-year-old is in his second season in La Liga and is looking forward to playing against Spain in the international friendly later this month. Cannavaro believes that if Luis Aragonés continues to omit Raúl then the Azurri visitors to Elche will find the game easier. "They have a great team,” he said. "Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and then the attackers. "It will be better for us if Raúl is not playing. His situation is similar to Alessandro Del Piero when he was out of the Italy squad. "Both players are great professionals that continue to do great things and have always scored goals and broken records." Finally, Cannavaro reflected on the upturn in fortunes that Fernando Tores has performed since he moved from Atlético de Madrid to Liverpool. “Torres has made an incredible qualitative leap. Last year I saw someone who hid somewhat during games. He went to the Premier League and in English football he has discovered you cannot hide.”