Ricciardo and Red Bull shine this Friday
The Red Bulls sparkled under the floodlights of the Marina Bay track this Friday. Daniel Ricciardo topped the time sheets during both free practice sessions. Max Verstappen closely followed his teammate, securing the third fastest time in FP1, then the second fastest in FP2.
If most of the votes favored the Scuderia Ferrari single-seater in the predictions on the Singapore circuit, it was ultimately the Austrian firm that emerged on top today. Daniel Ricciardo quickly felt comfortable during the first session and even repeated his performance in the second session. The Australian has already earned two podiums on this track in the last two editions. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen confirmed Red Bull’s good form by achieving the third and second fastest times in the day’s two sessions. Thus, the drivers are more than satisfied at the end of this day.
Daniel Ricciardo => FP1: 1st (1:42.489) / FP2: 1st (1:40.852)
The Australian started this first race in Southeast Asia in the best way possible. He was more than satisfied and remains confident for the rest of the weekend: « It was a good day today. To be honest, I expected this and I’m not really surprised by our performance. I knew we were coming here with a good car. »
Daniel Ricciardo reflects more specifically on his feelings during the two sessions: « We made progress since the morning session, even though we were the fastest in FP1. I wanted to extract a bit more from the car and the setup in the afternoon. »
He continues by looking ahead to the next two days: « We have climbed another step today, which was satisfying. Now we hope there is still room for improvements for tomorrow. It’s important that we maintain this good start for what’s to come. But I feel that we can keep this level of performance throughout the weekend. »
The Perth native knows, however, that the qualifications will be another pair of sleeves: I know that the challenge will be in qualifications, the Ferraris and Mercedes will be stronger. But I am confident that we can stay at this level and fight with them.
Max Verstappen => FP1: 3rd (1:42.610) / FP2: 2nd (1:41.408)
On the other side of the garage, satisfaction was also in order for the Dutchman.
Finish first and second in the last session means we had a positive Friday. The car behaved well. The balance of the car can always be improved. We are slightly lacking in top speed, but nothing major that we can’t work on. After such a day, we must believe that a good result is possible in qualifying.
Unlike his teammate, Max Verstappen is somewhat surprised by their level of competitiveness and remains cautious for the future: “If we compare to our competitors, we seem very strong. We did not expect to be this competitive, so it is very satisfying for us. We still need to be cautious and work on all aspects because we are aware that in Q3, they (Ferrari and Mercedes) should improve and be closer. For now, we are in a good position. The qualifications will be tight, but I think our race pace will give us the possibility of a good result.”
It remains to be seen if the hopes placed in this Friday’s results will deliver on their promises and be confirmed first tomorrow and then on Sunday for the Red Bull drivers.
