Williams driver Valtteri Bottas has admitted that he is still in some discomfort from his back, although it has improved since the Australian Grand Prix.

The Finnish driver missed the race in Melbourne two weeks ago with the injury, which he suffered during qualifying, but he intends to race this weekend in Malaysia.

He told Autosport: "I cannot say it's completely pain-free but the feelings are what we expected really. I feel it a little bit but the main thing is it was not getting any worse so it was very consistent during the day.

"I don't mind a bit of pain. It's not [distracting]. I can still apply the maximum brake pressure, even on the long run I could brake well without any increased pain. So I'm confident for the weekend because there is still much more painkillers that I can take, I haven't taken much."

Bottas was fifth fastest in free practice two this morning.