Daniel Ricciardo has fired back at Renault F1 Team after what was a far from successful first half of the season which has included three retirements and a best finish of sixth in Canada which sees him languishing down in eleventh in the driver’s championship and Renault sixth in the constructor’s championship
“It’s been a challenging season so far, we can’t hide from that. There have been some positives, some things not so good, so the summer break was ideal for us. It was nice to take some time off, have a holiday in Los Angeles, and not think too much about racing. It was the same for the team, so hopefully we’re all feeling refreshed now”.
Ricciardo will be hoping for an unlikely second win at Spa, five years after his first while at Red Bull Racing, with the Australian taking further podiums in 2016 and 2017 before retiring early in last year’s race.
“I think most drivers love racing at Spa. It’s such a cool place and a track with a lot of history. I seem to have a decent record there; a win in 2014 and podiums in 2016 and 2017. It’s a long lap – the longest of the year – so if you do make a mistake you know there is a chance to make it back up somewhere.
Riccardo also discussed his and his fellow driver’s love of Eau Rouge, in particular on a fast qualifying lap which can last nearly two minutes.
“There are so many corners to get right and it’s never over until you cross that line, of course, we all love taking on Eau Rouge – that’s a wicked corner – but I really enjoy the middle sector.
“It flows nicely with quick changes of direction. Pouhon – Turn 10 – is rapid nowadays and it’s probably one of the most enjoyable corners on the calendar. It’s pretty brave, over 280kph in seventh gear. It’s a great feeling, especially on an all-out qualifying lap”.
