For Ricciardo, his 11th place “is not a victory but we see positives in it”

Daniel Ricciardo seems to finally be in the rhythm! After the purges in Bahrain, Jeddah and Melbourne, the Australian woke up at the time of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. Ranked 11th on the grid, Honey Badger achieved his best result of the season in this exercise. However, this position does not fully satisfy him since he could have progressed to Q3 within 0″055. It's finally his teammate Yuki tsunoda who will manage to climb into the top 10 at the last minute.

 

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“I have mixed emotions. Basically, if we forget the result, I think it was a good session. But this is not Q3! I calmed down a little, well I wasn't angry, but I'm a competitor, I knew I was 10th, and when you go out because of a few thousandths... It would have been great to give a boost to the guys, but honestly they all looked pretty happy. »

Better for Ricciardo

Progress is certain. Signing an 11th place at Suzuka, few people saw it coming since his last results in qualifying were really not up to par (14th on the grid in Bahrain and Jeddah then 18th in Melbourne). The Racing Bulls driver has come a long way, after complicated Free Practice where he experienced several off-track events.

“After yesterday, coming here and being competitive, we have to take it, admits Ricciardo. It's not an easy start to the season, a day like that is not a victory but we see some positives in it. I'll try to hang on to it! »

For Sunday's race, the Australian is rather optimistic. He has never been so close to the points and intends to open his account to allow Racing Bulls to widen the gap in the team standings. “Our race pace is not bad, we start on the right side of the grid, I hope to get into the top 10 at the start of the race! Clearly, we have the potential to score points, and after a good start we will be in the 10 and we will not give up! »

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