Image source, Formula 1

BBC weatherman Ian Fergusson: "Despite current growth of clouds locally, a fair chance of FP3 staying dry, with risk of showers higher by qualifying."

Allan McNish
BBC Radio 5 live analyst in Sepang

"Lewis Hamilton came off the back of the win in Australia, had some problems in the morning but rebounded when he had the opportunity. I also think Nico Rosberg has a bit more in the bag because he did not have a clean run in his qualifying simulation but he will have to be good to beat Lewis this weekend."

Image source, McLaren

McLaren: A busy Saturday morning in Sepang! Pitstop practice already under way.

What do you think? Can Ferrari give Mercedes a few nervy moments this weekend? How and where can they get the edge over them?

How do you see today's qualifying going? Let us know via #bbcf1,, external text us on 81111 (UK only) and join the discussion on the BBC Sport Facebook, external and Google+, external pages.

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Sepang

"Lewis Hamilton has looked on a separate level from the rest, in the admittedly short sample of the four days of track action so far this season. He followed his stunning pole and dominant win in Australia with a fantastic performance on Friday, here in steamy Malaysia.

"Hamilton spent far more time in the garage than on track after a series of technical problems, but he still managed to bang in the fastest time of the day by nearly 0.4secs and set the pace on race-simulation times as well. It's almost as if becoming a two-time champion has moved him up a gear this year."

Image source, Getty Images

So are Ferrari really a threat? Really? Lewis Hamilton led the way in the race simulations on Friday, averaging 1:44.942 per lap on the medium tyres but Kimi Raikkonen was not far behind with 1:45.080, ahead of Nico Rosberg's average of 1:45.313.

Hamilton is certainly wary, saying: "The Ferraris look great, they really do. It is surprising to see how good their times are and we'll see how close they are this weekend."

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Sepang

"Everyone knows the Malaysian Grand Prix is hot, but just saying the word simply does not do the experience justice. And neither does stating the ambient temperature - always hovering around 31-33C. Situated just north of the equator, and pretty much at sea level, the heat, accompanied by high humidity, is all-pervading. It envelopes you, permeates you, overwhelms you. And for the drivers, it takes on a different dimension again.

"Strapped inside a carbon-fibre cockpit wearing four-layer fireproof overalls, underwear, balaclava and helmet, subject to extreme physical demands in an environment that quickly takes on the track temperature - which was 60C or so on Friday and promises to be the same again today - and controlling what is effectively a ground-hugging missile. It defies belief."

Image source, Mercedes

It was dry throughout practice on Friday and there are blue skies above the Sepang circuit today. A couple of brollies in the crowd there, but I suspect that is for refuge from the heat.

Don't forget the Malaysian Grand Prix is live on BBC television, radio and online through this weekend. That means full coverage of the 60 minute final practice session, which gets under way at 06:00 GMT.

You can watch on BBC Two and/or listen on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 05:55 with both options available online.

Qualifying takes place at 09:00 and we'll have a full hour of build-up, on BBC One and 5 live sports extra from 08:00. Once again, both are available online, where you can also choose from Onboard, Driver Tracker, Pit Lane and Timings streams.

Is there a better way to kick off your Saturday?

Image source, Getty Images

Ferrari have secured the most pole positions in Malaysia with seven. The first came in 1999 with their last in 2008. Renault and Red Bull are level on three each.

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Sepang

"Could Mercedes face a threat this weekend after all? Friday offered that promise, certainly, although it may well turn out to be illusory.

"Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen split the Mercedes drivers on headline lap times, and his race simulation run was immensely impressive - just shy of Lewis Hamilton for pace and 0.3secs on average faster than Nico Rosberg.

"However, Ferrari tend to run less fuel than Mercedes on Fridays, so their pace tends to flatter them, and technical director James Allison was cautious. Allison did admit, however, that Ferrari's tyre degradation looked 'quite good' and that the pace was the same. It had been a 'good day,' he said. Sebastian Vettel was also cautious: 'I think it will be close between us and Williams, and in terms of pace Mercedes are still very strong.'"

Hello! Welcome to our coverage of qualifying day for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

It was of no surprise to see Mercedes out in front in Friday practice, with Nico Rosberg fastest in the first session, before Lewis Hamilton overcame a number of issues to come out on top in FP2.

However, Ferrari have certainly given them food for thought heading into today, with an impressive show of pace on Friday...

Image source, Getty Images

"Hopefully we will have some other competitors pushing us as hard as we push each other, as this would be great for the sport."

Be careful what you wish for, Nico. It might just come true.

Image source, Getty Images