Paul Di Resta recovered from problems in practice to qualify in 14th place on the grid for Sunday's Malaysian GP in Sepang. The 24 year-old from Bathgate once again fared better than his Force India colleague, Adrian Sutil, who was only 17th fastest.

It's important that Di Resta maintains this form, because his team's reserve driver, Nico Hulkenberg, was very impressive in Friday's practice session, and will be confident of securing a full-time drive if he can maintain that level of performance.

The Scot, for his part, was happy with his display and has a realistic chance of adding to the point he scored in his first-ever GP in Australia a fortnight ago.

"I'm delighted with that, given how I had struggled in practice," said Di Resta, who might have to show his worth in the midst of tropical storms if the forecast is to be believed.

 "There is everything to play for in the race now, and especially with tricky weather conditions expected."

Further up the grid, reigning world champion, Sebastian Vettel, edged out McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, in a thrilling battle for pole position. Vettel won in Melbourne and already seems to be the man to beat in the 2011 campaign.

His Red Bull team mate, Mark Webber, was third with Jenson Button in fourth place and the race looks as if it will turn into another battle between these four competitors.

Elsewhere, Ferrari continued to struggle, whilst the veteran Michael Schumacher cut a disconsolate figure after coming in 11th in his Mercedes.

Di Resta will be hoping he can heap further pressure on the German on Sunday.