F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo: 'We have a good car, but track conditions are an unknown'

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo believes he has a good racing car on his hands for tomorrow's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but Baku's track conditions could throw a spanner in the works.

The Aussie qualified fourth in Saturday's session, just edging out team mate Max Verstappen after progressing through the first two segments without any major drama and enjoying a "decent" last effort in Q3.

"It was a clean last lap, the first run in Q3 I hit the wall in Turn 15, not hard enough but I thought it was going to be on the edge. I fixed that and it was decent last lap," said Ricciardo.

While happy with his performance, Ricciardo is focused on his prospects for tomorrow, suggesting a possible back-to-back win in Baku is in the cards, but a lot will depend on track conditions.

"Saturday's important but I think we've proved lately that Sunday's the real important day. Even last year, I started 10th here so 4th is like amazing," he said.

"I think we've got a good car. The real unknown for everyone is the track's condition tomorrow.

"It's blowing 50mph winds and it's going to be a lot colder, so just managing the tyres, the graining is going to be key. If we can manage that, I think we've got a real good handling race car."

Ricciardo echoed his colleagues comments about the gusty winds swirling around Baku which can upset a car's behavior on a whim.

"Now days we've got so much downforce that you could let go of the wheel down the straight.

"But you don't want to let go of the wheel down here because it will get blown around a lot. Y

"You definitely feel it, the helmet's moving around like this… It makes it fun, it's bumpy, it's cool, it's whatever…

"To be honest, whenever there's wind, the car feels horrible. Yesterday there was pretty much no wind, today the car felt less nice to drive.

"I think everyone definitely struggles more in the wind. But do we struggle less than them? We'll find out tomorrow…"

Asked by Sky F1 if he was currently performing at his best level, Ricciardo says he was indeed feeling good behind the wheel.

"I feel I'm driving well," he answered.

"I don't want to say like, 'Right now is the best I've ever driven', but the fans will get excited, let's say that.

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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.

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