Ricciardo hoping to inch closer, but not expecting to win

©WRI2

Daniel Ricciardo isn't pinning his hopes on his RB13's latest evolution acting as an instant springboard to the winner's circle.

Much is expected of the latest aerodynamic upgrade package to come out of Red Bull's Milton Keynes engineering department, but even if the changes produce a positive impact, the team will still be left chasing says the Honey Badger.

"We still have to expect to be where we are," said Ricciardo.

"Hopefully closer but I don't think we can expect to come out and win. We want to, would like to, but we can't really expect it because, look, even if the update gives us a second we know that Mercedes and Ferrari are not going to come here with nothing."

Indeed, the development race among the front-runners has taken hold with both Mercedes and Ferrari following suit on the upgrade front.

"As always this time of the year it is big aero stuff, that is the main upgrades.

"The real mechanical side of the car, you kind of got what you've got, and it is mainly bits which are predominately aero.

"Sidepods and all that kind of stuff, wings, so it is pretty much everything that we can really play with.

"The guys have redesigned and tried to give us a bit more, there are a lot of bolt on bits but it is still the same car itself.

"That is why we have to be a bit careful not to expect too much because it is still the same chassis essentially."

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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.