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'Monaco best chance for Red Bull to win again'

Published on 27 May 2016 11:30
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By: Rob Veenstra

After Max Verstappen's surprise win in Barcelona, Red Bull appears poised to complete a back-to-back upset this weekend in Monaco. With Renault's much improved engine in the rear of his car, Daniel Ricciardo was so far clear of the field in Thursday practice that most are assuming the Australian is the man to beat in the twisty Principality.

That is even despite the fact that Mercedes normally 'turn up' the power of their turbo V6 engines on a Saturday. "It's not six tenths that we get out of it," said championship leader Nico Rosberg, "so it's a big surprise how fast they are. We can improve the car," the German added, "but whether it will be enough - I don't know."

Teammate Lewis Hamilton agrees, telling the Spanish broadcaster Movistar: "The engines don't make much difference here and we knew they (Red Bull) had a good car. "But did I expect them to be this fast? No," said the reigning world champion.

There are not many who disagree. When asked who he would tip for a five euro bet, McLaren's Jenson Button answered: "Daniel Ricciardo. The Merc is a very good car but the Red Bull can match it and this circuit isn't so dependent on outright power," he added. "It's the best chance they have got of winning again this year."

Sebastian Vettel, meanwhile, had a very bad day on Thursday, hitting the wall twice, but he said that's no reason to write Ferrari off. But he also acknowledged Ricciardo's pace. "My guess is they will also be strong in qualifying, and here qualifying is almost half the race win," said Vettel. (GMM)

reg

Posts: 162

RBR strategy very good?? I don't think so - ask Ricciardo about how good it was in Barcelona!

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May 27 2016 - 12:10

F1 News Max Verstappen Jenson Button Daniel Ricciardo Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Sebastian Vettel Mercedes McLaren Renault Ferrari

Replies (9)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
I actually think they'll have one more chance this year: Singapore. Suzuka could've been an option, but they lack power compared to Ferrari and Mercedes, so Im not sure they'll be as competitive there. Slow corner circuits are their best bet.
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- May 27 2016 - 11:56
- Pompey
  
  Posts: 84
  Hungary's micky mouse circuit could suit them too.
  + 1
  
  May 27 2016 - 13:13
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I agree on that! But all in all I think Ferrari should be the stronger there....should...
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  May 27 2016 - 23:26
Vet5

Posts: 225
I strongly agree with them, they have an amazing chassis and this circuit relies on this feature, no matter how much Mercedes turn the engine up will not benefit them as much as it would on other circuits. Will still be close but I think Ricciardo & Verstappen will do really well, and also the RBR strategy team are very good, always have been.
- + 0
- May 27 2016 - 12:01
reg

Posts: 162
RBR strategy very good?? I don't think so - ask Ricciardo about how good it was in Barcelona!
- + 2
- May 27 2016 - 12:10
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  That one was a very odd exception from Red Bull's side. They tend to be very good at strategy, but the strategy Ricciardo got in Spain was outright odd.
  + 0
  
  May 27 2016 - 12:26
- Sirhenry
  
  Posts: 759
  Hindsight it's always easy....at that moment with all the information they had, it seemed the right choise...Bit of a cheap remark...
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  May 27 2016 - 12:49
mclarenfan1968

Posts: 1,027
Lol you people actually bought into the trolling by Merc? You are going to be disappointed by tomorrow.
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- May 27 2016 - 13:12
khasmir

Posts: 893
The way RB are performing and with an improved PU both Monaco, Singapore and Hungary should be good opportunities for them.
- + 1
- May 27 2016 - 19:44