Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo: “We still have to find a little bit of time”

1 Mins read
Daniel Ricciardo - Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Daniel Ricciardo ended both free practice sessions inside the top ten at the Sepang International Circuit, but the Australian admitted that work needs to be done in order to find time on the softest compound of tyre brought to Malaysia.

The Red Bull Racing driver finished the opening session in sixth before setting the eighth fastest time in the second session around a swelteringly hot Sepang, and Ricciardo feels that the team need to find more pace with the Soft compound Pirelli tyre ahead of qualifying on Saturday.

“The new asphalt is good, it gives a bit more grip which is always fun, though I don’t think I found as much grip as the others,” said Ricciardo. “We still have to find a little bit of time on both low and high fuel.

“We didn’t really find a big gain with the soft tyre on low fuel, so that’s one thing we want to address. We’ll do a bit of work tonight and definitely make some improvements for tomorrow.

“Track temperature was, I think, recorded at 61 degrees, I’ve never heard a number that high before. It was pretty warm and toasty out there. I think Sunday will be good fun, we just have to keep hydrated and it should be a good challenge.”

Ricciardo admitted to not liking the re-profiled final turn at the Sepang circuit, but ad it made it more challenging, he accepted the reasons why it was changed in the first place. The final turn has been modified to be a negative-cambered turn ahead of this years race, and the Australian admits a compromise is needed to get the quickest line around it.

“The last corner is not the most attractive on the calendar but it’s challenging so I guess that’s positive,” said Ricciardo.

“If you take the inside it sort of washes you away with the negative banking, and if you go around the outside you end up doing a lot more distance, so it’s about trying to find a good compromise and making it mistake free.”

13769 posts

About author
Long time motorsport fanatic, covering Formula 1 and the occassional other series. Feel free to give him a follow on Twitter at @Paul11MSport.
Articles
Related posts
British GTBTCCFeaturesFIA WECFIA World Rally ChampionshipFIA World RallycrossFormula 1Porsche Carrera Cup GBPorsche Mobil 1 Supercup

A Farewell Message from The Checkered Flag

4 Mins read
After 15 years of motorsport coverage, TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk announces its closure. What began as a passion project in 2009 grew into a respected voice in motorsport journalism. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Formula 1

2024 United States Grand Prix: Championship Rivals Start on Front Row

3 Mins read
Lando Norris secures pole positon in an action packed qualifying session in Austin.
Formula 1

2024 United States Grand Prix: Verstappen Secures Sprint Win

2 Mins read
Max Verstappen returns to winning ways with victory in the 2024 United States Grand Prix Sprint race.