Ricciardo aiming for dominance, but field will 'tighten up' on Saturday

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Red Bull's performance on Thursday was a good first step in Daniel Ricciardo's hopes of achieving dominance in Monaco, but the team's gap with its rivals will "tighten up" in qualifying says the Aussie.

Ricciardo and team mate Max Verstappen conclude their day of free practice over half a second clear of the opposition, confirming the expected efficiency of Red Bull's RB14 chassis around the twisty streets of Monte Carlo.

While the performance bodes well for Sunday, Ricciardo is still expecting a tough battle Saturday's crucial qualifying session.

'We're not at the limit yet', promises Verstappen

"It is going to tighten up on Saturday but all we can do today is try and top it and we did," Ricciardo told the media after practice.

"It’s a good start, both cars are strong. Our long run looked decent. It is not everything around here, but we seem to be good in all conditions at the moment.

"[Pole position] is the target. The intention this weekend was to try and win - and be dominant. Today is good. It is a good start," he added.

"We topped the sessions, so for now we have done all we can. We can find a bit more but we are more or less there and Saturday afternoon is going to be very close.

"We have a day off and I am sure Ferrari and Mercedes will start to put pressure on us."

Fellow bull Max Verstappen is equally convinced of the team's ability to put one over its rivals Saturday afternoon.

"Yeah [pole] definitely the target after today. For sure they will come close in qualifying because of the engine modes but I’m sure we can still do better so pretty good."

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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.