March 24, 2004
Hot qualifying in Sepang and another good qual for the team. Maple drove a lap of 1:34.539 that was sufficient for a 5th place and Lock did 1:35.181 for the 7th position on the grid. The pole was Whiteman with 1:33.593 followed closely by Elencevski and Jakonen.

Juan Tortella was satisfied and told us, ?I think we are in good shape for the race. The tires improve a lot since Australia and cars are pretty reliable. The team did a great job with Toby`s car before the qual. Only concern is small problems in Matt car but I think we can fixed before the race.? After the qual Matt and Toby talked to the press:

Matt Maple 5th position:

Q - How do you feel the car for the race?

Well, to be honest its not looking as good as at the practise sessions, we picked up some understeer at the end of the session and this made my lap a bit slower... which is a shame, but hopefully we can find a legal solution and have some good race pace.

Q - What do you think about the race strategy?

There is only one stratergy to be fast here, and we are on it with both cars.

Q - Do you think a Top 3 is possible?

Errr! No, to be honest I think there is a clear top 3 already here, 4th however, I think is very possible, I think MMC are out of it regardless of there stratergy, but Kari will be tough to beat, will be interesting battle in the race I think!

Q - Something to add?

Cars getting better all the time, great qual by my teamate and looking forward to the grueling hot conditions of the race!

Toby Lock 7th position:

Q - How do you feel the car for the race?

Hopefully better than in Melbourne. I'm pretty confident, but based on previous experiences in the races, I know not to expect anything!

Q - Are you in a different strategy than Matt?

That all depends on what strategy Matt is on!

Q - What are your expectations for the race?

Hopefully points, but you never know in this league!

Q - Something to add?

I apologise to the crew, and congratulate them too. I totally wrote off one of the cars, and they did a great job to turn it around for the qualifying session. Cheers guys!