Aston Martin Red Bull Racing‘s Daniel Ricciardo is confident of a strong performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix after qualifying in sixth place, despite a five place penalty meaning he will start from eleventh place.
Even with the penalty, the Australian is in a positive mood due to how close the top qualifiers were, “I think we have a good car and in qualifying to be half a second off pole around here, where from memory we haven’t been that close in the past, is positive. We also know from yesterday that we are even better in race conditions.” said Ricciardo.
While the Red Bull Racing driver is obviously disappointed to have the penalty due to using a sixth turbo charger this season, he believes that he can still challenge for a podium.
“Obviously, with the penalty I start a bit outside of the front pack in eleventh but I will hopefully make my way through quickly and have some fun once I join the fight at the front.
“The rain passed pretty quickly but it did force us to use the supersoft tyre in Q2. Ideally, we wanted to start on the soft tomorrow but fortunately it was only Ferrari who made it work and Mercedes are in the same position as us.
“I don’t think it makes too much difference as we have a good car on the super and also good tyre management. Maybe this mixed strategy will also force a two-stop race through the field and mix things up.
“I had some experience last year of coming from the back so I know a few spots around this track to overtake on and I’m game for that.
Ricciardo knows that his fight for the race could be won or lost at the start of the race and is hoping to push on through the grid from the moment the lights go out.
“I think my race will be shaped on how quickly I can get through the field and latch on to the top five. Anyway, whatever happens it’ll be fun.”
