Ricciardo and Renault continue their good momentum

Of course these are only the first free practices and the truth of Friday is not that of Saturday. But still. By signing the 2nd and 3rd times of the two sessions of the day, a good distance from the Mercedes certainly, Daniel Ricciardo extends the positive dynamic that surrounds Renault since the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of August. 

4th in the race at Spa-Francorchamps, 6th at Monza, and 4th again at Mugello, the Australian driver has been flirting for a while with this podium which has been refused at Losange since his return as a team-builder in 2016. 

Behind the untouchable Black Arrows, we often used to find Max Verstappen and Red Bull this season but the Dutchman is the first to recognize that it will be “ complicated to qualify 3rd » in Sochi. 

« Renault looks very competitive », Commented Verstappen, who nevertheless remains convinced of the superiority of his equipment in racing configuration. However, the virtuoso Oranje seems more concerned with containing any possible attacks from the RS20 than with going after the W11s in front. 

Historic winner at Monza, Pierre Gasly also recognizes that the yellow-and-black single-seaters are serious contenders to win the honorary title of “best of the rest” this weekend in Russia.   

« I am more and more impressed by Renault, confided the pilot on Friday evening Alpha Tauri, 10th and 11th times in EL1 and EL2 this Friday. They seem to have taken a big step forward in the last few races ». 

Analysis shared by Carlos Sainz in McLaren. " They seem to have the advantage over us in terms of performance over the last weekends of competition, especially on Friday, pointed out the Spaniard. I hope we will be closer to them on Saturday but for the moment they look stronger ». 

What do the main stakeholders think?

« We are often at the forefront on Fridays, it's nice to be at the top of the timesheet, said Ricciardo. Sochi is not a circuit that has been very successful for me in the past so it's good for my confidence. I still think that the fight will be closer tomorrow in qualifying between us and the teams who are a handful of tenths behind ». 

His teammate Esteban Ocon is also well placed in ambush with the 6th and 9th times of the opening day. “ We haven't found the optimal settings yet., however, noted the Frenchman. We still have some underfoot ». 

Great performances to be confirmed on Saturday during qualifying.