Daniel Ricciardo confident despite a split day

Daniel Ricciardo probably did less noise yesterday that Fernando Alonso during the first day at Abu Dhabi. The Australian, cut off from his momentum during free practice by a technical problem with his RS20, had seen his day get off to a bad start before seeing the mechanics Renault solve the problem in preparation for EL2.

With only three laps in FP1, Ricciardo had to accumulate the laps in the session offering the most representative conditions for qualifying and the race at the Yas Marina Circuit. If the future pilot McLaren only finishes with the ninth time, confidence seems to be in order.

« I think we had a pretty positive evening and we were on pace going into it., analyzes the former resident of the bosom Red Bull. We completed a lot of laps and the car felt good for most of the session.

I believe we will be in a good place today after some adjustments. Qualifying is really important here and I'm making my last appearance with the team. So I can’t wait to do the show! »

Renault has investigated the technical problem that slowed down the No. 20 RS3, with the fuel pump appearing to be involved. “From what I understand – and I was not in the garage – it is linked to the fuel pump, therefore unrelated to the powertrain although obviously it was preventing the flow of fuel, highlights Cyril Abiteboul, director of Renault Sport Racing.

There was therefore no damage to the engine block which was going to be changed anyway for free practice 2 or for Saturday. This is unfortunately an issue that has happened before, but one that should not have any further impact for the rest of the weekend. »

The French manager also returned to the end of collaboration with the Australian driver, who will join McLaren in 2021. “I think there is no doubt about the progress of the team this year, recalls Abiteboul.

Daniel is a big part of this, and has clearly guided the progress of the team, with a group of people behind him doing an outstanding job on track. He was clearly instrumental in the changes made last year, in a disappointing season. When it arrived we knew it would take a little while […]

He made a real impact and we are different today than we were two and a half years ago when we decided to form this partnership. In this regard, he kept his promises. This has yielded positive results.

The irony in all of this is that I think we are a much stronger team now and he will have to face a much stronger team next year. »