FELIPE Massa is hoping the Malaysian weather is on his side in tomorrow’s Grand Prix at Kuala Lumpar.

The Brazilian, who drives for Grove-based Williams, sits tenth in the standings ahead of the 16th round of the season.

But he struggled in yesterday’s two practice sessions, finishing 18th and 15th.

The 35-year-old said: “Malaysia is another very difficult race because of how hot and humid it is.

“It rains there almost every day, and when it rains it’s normally torrential so it covers the whole track.”

Teammate Valtteri Bottas fared only a little better in 12th and 13th respectively.

Kevin Magnussen’s weekend did not get off to the best of starts after his car caught fire in the first practice, before he finished 19th in the second session.

But he is bidding to build upon his points-scoring finish in Singapore last time out.

The Dane, who drives for Enstone-based Renault, came tenth at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for his second-highest placing of the season.

Magnussen said: “We must now continue to improve and hopefully we can do the same again in Malaysia.”

There was better news for teammate Jolyon Palmer who was 12th quickest in the second practice session.

Esteban Gutierrez was 14th in both for Banbury-based Haas, while Romain Grosjean was 13th and 20th.

l CHIPPING Norton's Sean Walkinshaw is targeting third place in the overall Silver Cup standings ahead of the final round at the Circuit de Catalunya this weekend.

He and Nissan GT Academy Team RJN teammate Ricardo Sanchez are optimistic of finishing the Blancpain Sprint Cup season on a high.