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Daniel Ricciardo left fuming after another engine issue

Daniel Ricciardo just can't catch a break, the Red Bull driver missing out on an opportunity to make the Q3 cut for the fifth time in seven races following another engine malfunction.

The Aussie's car was hit by a sudden loss of power in Q2, its driver finding his way to the pits but a rapid check by the Red Bull crew confirmed Ricciardo's immediate demise from the session, although the team did not believe any vital component's of the Renault unit were at risk of being replaced.

Disappointed would be understating the driver's feelings as he extricated himself from his car and exited his team's garage. Walking down the pitlane, a fuming Ricciardo let go a loud yell of frustration under his helmet.

"I just blew out my vocals. I'm so pissed…" Ricciardo said after qualifying.

"As soon as I came through the last chicane to start my fast lap I immediately felt that something was wrong.

"I just didn’t have full power and I could hear the turbo or something wasn’t healthy.

"I came to the pits and we tried to fix it but I think it’s something terminal. Then it started raining, I think if we had got out again and it was raining and I couldn’t get a lap in, then it could have been even more painful."

Ricciardo feels particularly thwarted by his misfortunes given the fact that his motivation to finish his stint with Red Bull on a high is intact.

"I just can’t catch a break at the moment and I’m pretty fed up with it.

"I’m doing everything I can and applying myself the best way that I know how to, but it’s not working so hopefully it turns around soon.

"It makes me angry because if it was on me and I was slacking off then it would be different, but I still want to do the best I can for Red Bull until the end of the year and every race is important."

Despite the set-back, there's still a race to be run on Sunday, although Ricciardo's low start, normally from P15, offers just dim prospects.

"Qualifying is important here, like always, but it's hard to follow and whatever but I'll do what I can," he added.

"I don't know, it's pretty painful at the moment."

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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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