Daniel Ricciardo remains cautious despite a good first day of testing
The new VCARB or Racing Bulls team, which this winter moved a step closer to its sister team Red Bull, was one of the pleasant surprises of the first day of winter testing. But Daniel Ricciardo, who set the fourth fastest time, remained cautious about his team's objectives.
Daniel Ricciardo had a very good afternoon this Wednesday behind the wheel of Red Bull’s “B team,” now known as Racing Bulls or VCARB. The Australian finished fourth on the first day of winter testing, just 0.015 seconds behind Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Ferrari on the same tires.
After this first encouraging day for the team now led by the Frenchman Laurent Mekies, Ricciardo wanted to remain cautious. “I think at the beginning of the season, we have to be a little cautious,” he said. “I am sure that the long-term goal is to fight at the front of the midfield.”
When we arrived in Abu Dhabi [the last race of last season] with some updates, the car felt quite good. There are definitely positive aspects, but it is clear that we still have performance to find.
The overall feeling and balance are actually fine, so it’s just a matter of finding a bit more time per lap, announced Ricciardo.
Questioned about a potential hierarchy that may be emerging and about Racing Bulls’ direct competitors, Tsunoda was realistic. « Apart from Red Bull, Aston seems fine, Ferrari too; I’m not sure about McLaren. If I look at the midfield pack, it seems that Williams is hiding some performance. »
Apart from that, we are in a good position in the midfield battle. We hope to be able to continue like this. If we are around the top of the pack and can achieve it from the first race, I think it’s a very good start,” concluded the Japanese driver.
On this second day of testing, Racing Bulls appears to be carrying out race simulation programs. But as usual during pre-season testing, it is important not to jump to hasty conclusions.
