Vettel claims Ferrari can win Malaysian GP

After missing pole by just 0.074s in a rain-affected qualifying session, and outpacing Nico Rosberg's Mercedes, four-time world champion Vettel is in upbeat mood after a strong race simulation run on Friday.

When asked if he can win, he replied: "I think yes, we can, but it depends on a lot of things that I cannot tell you now.

"As you saw today, there is rain in the air, if it comes at the right moment for you, it can be quite good but it can work against you too. Our race pace looks decent, but we have to be realistic.

"Mercedes has an advantage which hasn't just disappeared. It is still there, so we have to look after ourselves, then we'll see."

Vettel believes there is a genuine chance of registering Ferrari's first win since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix by defeating the thus-far dominant Mercedes.

"It would be nice to give them a hard time," said Vettel. "I think it has been a bit too chilled for them in the last few months, so we'll see what we can do.

"But with the rain in the air, it can always be a tricky race for everyone."

Today was the first time a Ferrari qualified on the front row since the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix.