Ricciardo insists Red Bull 'isn't holding back'

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Daniel Ricciardo says there are no big secrets around Red Bull Racing's performance, with the Aussie insisting the team was not holding itself back.

Ricciardo finished his day of work after clocking 89 laps and setting the second fastest time, just e few tenths off Williams' Felipe Massa's top time.

"At the moment there is no big secret or anything," said the red Bull driver.

"We are not holding 2 seconds in our pocket, but we definitely feel that we can still get more out of the car. But I think probably everyone can.

"Hopefully not Williams, hopefully that was their best today. Ferrari and Mercedes can probably still get more out of theirs.

"So once that all happens we will see. It is looking alright. It is now my third day in the car, and I would say day 1 to day 2, and then day 2 to day 3 I am getting happier with the car."

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The 'Honeybadger' admitted to be keeping a watchful eye on Ferrari, with the Scuderia's performance to date impressing Ricciardo.

"They certainly look quick. I am sure Mercedes will still be very quick. But Ferrari are looking good. Even though Williams did not run much last week, the day they did get a good run in, I actually thought they looked quite good as well.

"So today they showed that. It is going to be interesting, Melbourne will be a nice little story."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.