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Ricciardo banking on 'confidence' factor in Monaco

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo is upbeat before this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, a venue where the Aussie would have won last year, save for a pit stop blunder.

Red Bull Racing still suffers from a deficit in performance compared to front runners Mercedes and Ferrari, although an upgrade of its RB13 has reduced the gap.

More updates have found their way to the Principality where another small step forward is expected.

"We have some parts on the car, we had them in Barcelona, we saw it give us bits and pieces but not as much as we still desire," says the Honey Badger.

"And we have more this weekend, more Monaco specific, so hopefully that will give us more than it did a couple of weeks ago and give us a chance to start leaning on the front guys a bit more."

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Monaco is all about avoiding its usual traps and pitfalls, but the twisty layout is also the perfect terrain for those exuding confidence.

"I think this weekend is a chance if you put everything together in qualifying around here it can give you a good chunk of lap time.

" It is having a level of confidence around here which helps then we will see, see what happens after this weekend. This one's fun, looking forward to it.

"We will wait and see. Certainly looking back on last year there's a bit of unfinished business. I will do what I can. I definitely come here with good feelings, good vibes, the level of confidence is still high.
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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.