Pierre Gasly says he would welcome rain during Sunday's Malaysia GP as he looks to score points on his Formula 1 debut.

Gasly, drafted in to replace the out-of-form Daniil Kvyat this weekend, could only manage 15th in qualifying but was just a tenth adrift of team-mate Carlos Sainz.

Toro Rosso may be struggling to stay in touch with their midfield rivals in Sepang, but Gasly has been satisfied with his efforts so far.

"I think today was positive and I'm happy – your first qualifying in Formula 1 is always a special moment and one I was really looking forward to," the Frenchman said.

"I tried to give my best and I think we made really good progress between FP3 and Qualifying. 

"I felt comfortable in the car in Q1 and then, in Q2, I kept on learning while giving my all and I'd say we can be satisfied with the result! 

"I now look forward to tomorrow, my first Formula 1 race and something I've been dreaming of since I was very young."

Rain is a constant threat in Malaysia, and Toro Rosso are notoriously strong in wet conditions. 

Points, then, are far from out of the question despite a difficult Saturday.

"You never know what can happen with the weather here," Gasly pointed out.

"If the rain and tricky conditions do appear, I will welcome it as I felt confident in the wet in FP1 on Friday and I'm sure it will make it all even more exciting."