Daniel Ricciardo saw his unbeaten run of out-qualifying his team-mate in 2016 end during qualifying for the British Grand Prix on Saturday, but feels it is important that the Red Bull Racing team were the best of the rest behind the all-dominant Mercedes team.
The Australian saw Max Verstappen beat him to third place on the grid, but is looking to ensure the team finish ahead of the Ferrari team on race day as the two teams battle it out for second place in the constructors’ championship.
Ricciardo believes the race on Sunday at Silverstone could be a straight fight between both Red Bull and Ferrari for the final spot on the podium, and is confident that his team will retain its advantage from qualifying.
“As a team result it was definitely important to get the second row lock-out,” said Ricciardo. “That was our target and we got that so I think we look good for tomorrow.
“It’s cool to have both of us in front of the Ferraris. I knew this would be a pretty big fight with them here and we managed to at least fight the Qualifying battle so we’ll try and keep them behind us in the race tomorrow.
“Obviously, I would have preferred third rather than being fourth but that’s how it is today and tomorrow we’ll aim to go better and as good as we can. It’s going to be cooler tomorrow and you never know what’s going to happen, but I think we’re pretty confident where we sit.
“The two Mercedes will probably fight at the front and behind them it should be a good battle. For sure Ferrari will give us a bit of a run for our money, so there is definitely that third spot up for grabs. You’ll definitely see a race tomorrow.”