Singapore not Red Bull's only chance of winning, but perhaps its best

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Daniel Ricciardo believes Singapore won't be Red Bull's only chance of success in the second leg of the season, but it may well be its best.

The Aussie clinched his single 2017 win in Azerbaijan earlier this year, but has struggled so far to take the battle to front runners Mercedes and Ferrari.

Red Bull took strategic engine changes in Monza last week in order to be in the best possible power position in Singapore.

Coupled with the specific layout of the Marina Bay track which should cater to the qualities of the Milton-Keynes outfit's RB13 chassis, Ricciardo is lloking for a big result.

"I believe Singapore won’t be our only chance but is one of our best chances of a win in the second half of the season," said the Honey Badger in the team's Singapore preview.

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"I’ve started second and finished second at this track in the last two years, with fastest lap both times, so my aim this year is definitely to start on pole and try to go one better in the race."

As usual however on a track which requires total focus and leaves zero margin for error, Ricciardo advocates a gradual approach to ramping up his speed.

"You have to build up speed a little slower in the practice sessions on a street circuit like Singapore. At some point you have to start taking risks but to do that straight away doesn’t make sense.

"I always prepare for the race with some acclimatization training. You feel the heat when you’re in the car, but when you stop after the race and the adrenaline decreases you feel it even more.

"After the race I will easily sink five litres of water to rehydrate before I go to bed."

Daniel Ricciardo is currently fourth in the drivers' standings, with a six-point lead over Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

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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.