Renault DP World F1 Team’s Daniel Ricciardo said the team “want to be in a position to capitalise on any opportunity” at the Styrian Grand Prix this weekend.
The race will be held one week on from the Austrian Grand Prix, at the same venue, the Red Bull Ring, being the second race on the amended 2020 Formula 1 season calendar due to the on-going COVID-19 crisis.
Reflecting on the first race of the season last week, Ricciardo said it was a case of ensuring both cars crossed the finish line, also noting the strong performance they put in in qualifying. He said his goal for this weekend is to try and start further up the grid.
“We were all so excited to go racing again and it was so nice to be back out there battling for places. It was one of those races where it’s about getting to the end, so who knows what we could have picked up. I think there were a lot of positives from the weekend, our qualifying pace was up there, and I know with a clean lap we could have been further up the grid. That’s the goal for this weekend,” said the Australian.
He went on to say, going into this weekend will be slightly different compared to normal as they already know how the tyres perform at the circuit, adding they are also looking to refine key areas to make sure they are as prepared as they can be ahead of qualifying and the race.
“I think Friday practice could look different as we already know the tyres and all the little details about the circuit. We’ll look to refine some key areas to make sure we’re well prepared for both qualifying and race. I’m excited to get going again as we know anything can happen in Formula 1 and we want to be in a position to capitalise on any opportunity.”
Between this week and last, Ricciardo said he stayed in Austria and had some down time, enjoying being in the country and seeing the sights.
“I stayed in Austria for a few days off. These first three races are going to be intense so finding some time to recharge is going to be quite important. It’s a beautiful place with some amazing scenery so I’ve just made the most of that. We went hiking, took in the sights and ate some schnitzels!”
