Ricciardo banking on upgrade but wary of tyres for Barcelona

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Daniel Ricciardo is keeping his fingers crossed for next week's Spanish Grand Prix, hoping track performance validates Red Bull's important upgrade package.

The Milton Keynes outfit is currently trailing front-runners Mercedes and Ferrari., and the Honey Badger hopes the catch-up phase begins in Barcelona.

"I hope the upgrade will give us a chance to really fight with Mercedes and Ferrari," Ricciardo said.

"Even if we have a good update in Barcelona, it's hard to see how that instantly puts us on the top step, and we all know that.

"It could take a little while for us to be able to fight for some wins, but we're optimistic we can make up some good ground.

"There's no magic bullet in Formula 1 that's going to see us start winning every race from here, that sort of thing just doesn't exist.

"So I'm hoping we can be pleasantly surprised with any gains we make next weekend.

"Spain will probably shape the season from Barcelona until Budapest and the mid-year break, so it's an important one for us to get as right as we can."

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Ricciardo is critical however of Pirelli's tyre choice for the Circuit de Catalunya, with the Italian manufacturer including its hard compound in its selection for the first time this year.

"We're going for the harder tyres for the first time this year in Barcelona," explained the Red Bull driver.

"I'm not sure if it'll help us or not but I just don't think it's going to be good for anyone. The tyres are already hard enough so the harder compounds are just way too hard.

"Hopefully for Barcelona's sake it's hot and therefore these harder tyres work, but if it's cold then it's going to be a struggle for everyone."

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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.