Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap of the qualifying session and stormed into the pole position for tomorrow's Monaco Grand Prix race. The Australian stopped the clock in 1:10.810, the fastest ever lap recorded around the Monaco streets. The Red Bull driver was very satisfied with his overall performance throughout the weekend so far as he reflected shortly after the qualifying session ended.
"I love this place. A one minute ten is a lot of fun. I knew the first lap was pretty good and I felt it was enough. We don't have as much power [as Mercedes and Ferrari] in qualifying, but we still had enough around here to get it done. So that feels good. We didn't really change much. It was one of those pretty smooth [sessions]. I could just build up to it and find my rhythm and had some fun." Ricciardo reflected shortly after the qualifying session ended.
"We set a statement on Thursday and now we've been quickest in every session," he continued. "Knowing we had a great package all week, we need to push it but we don't need to overdrive it." he added. "I've done everything I can so far. Let's finish the job tomorrow. I'm pumped, it's been a good few days," he added. "There's still a lot of fire in this belly. Just the race tomorrow and then we'll celebrate!" Ricciardo concluded.
Ricciardo lap record performance was overshadowed by Verstappen's crash during the last minutes of the third free practice. Because of that mistake, the Dutchman was unable to take part in qualifying, mainly because of severe damages to his gearbox. Therefore, Verstappen will have to start last in tomorrow's race.
The Monaco Grand Prix race will commence tomorrow at 2:10 GMT time.
Paul Athes
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Replies (2)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It was an amazing lap. Great stuff, but not unexpected from him. He and the car really suit this car very well. He isnt the fastest, but he is very precise, and precision is key here.
reg
Posts: 162
No you have it the wrong way round in your report, Verstappen's idiot crash was overshadowed by Ricciardo's stunningly brilliant drive in the fabulously superior car!
Verstappen that everyone raves about, couldn't even get it round the track - some driver!
Now will RB be able the hang on to Daniel? Or will Ferrari/Merc grab him.
Even if Seb wins Champ this year I reckon he must be close to hanging up his helmet, - he can't be short of a bob or two!