Daniel Ricciardo secured fifth in today's qualifying session, just behind team-mate Daniil Kvyat, following a relatively consistent afternoon run, although the Australian was left only half satisfied with his day's work.
"Practice looked pretty good but to be honest all through qualifying I wasn't really that happy," Ricciardo admitted.
"We struggled to sort of find the level of grip we had this morning. In the end, to be 4th and 5th as a team isn't bad, and we can definitely race from there, but for sure we hoped for a bit better."
Ricciardo admitted that Red Bull's outlook for tomorrow's race with regard to strategy was still uncertain given Mexico's maiden status, but it would be the same for everyone.
"It's a bit unknown, I think everyone will try to go for a one-stop because it's a new track surface which is normally not too aggressive on the tyres. So I think we'll try to do a one stop but who knows if it will work."
"Starting fifth, at least on the clean side, and with a pretty long run down to the first corner, we'll have to make sure we get into the right tow."
While his motivation is intact, the Aussie confessed the day had started off on a low key with Australia's defeat by New Zealand in the rugby World Cup. "That was a bit painful, so I've got a bit of steam to let out this evening."
REPORT: Rosberg beats Hamilton to Mexican GP pole
AS IT HAPPENED: Mexican Grand Prix - Qualifying
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