Ricciardo makes it happen, delivers 'out of reach' P4

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Daniel Ricciardo put in a hard day of work at Suzuka, racing through the field to conquer a fourth-place finish that seemed "out of reach" for the Aussie beforehand.

The Red Bull driver launched his Japanese Grand Prix from P15 on the grid, the bit between his teeth after his unfortunate demise from qualifying the day before.

An aggressive but consistent effort saw Ricciardo make remarkable progress in the first stage of the race, eventually settling into fourth after 18 laps and keeping out of trouble thereafter.

"Yeah, it is a good result, obviously all things considered," Ricciardo said.

"Where I started, I honestly didn’t know where I was going to come today."

Verstappen at odds with Japanese GP stewards' calls

Chatting on the grid before the race with Helmut Marko, Ricciardo was told by the Red Bull motorsport boss that P4 was an unlikely prospect. The Honey Badger admitted he also had his doubts.

"It was good to come through the field and on the grid Helmut actually said that he thought fourth place was a little optimistic and possibly out of reach today.

"So, fourth is like a little victory from the back on this track and it was good to see our strong pace against Ferrari.

"A podium would have been even sweeter but I can’t complain with the result and I’m pleased for the team. All that’s left to say is, arigatooooo Japan!"

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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.