F1 News, Reports and Race Results

'Long way off' Ricciardo wants answers after muted start

Daniel Ricciardo was left puzzled after his first day of running in Bahrain, Renault's new recruit finding himself "a long way off" from team mate Nico Hulkenberg after Friday's FP2

Ricciardo concluded the evening session a massive two seconds adrift from the fastest lap and 1.179s behind Hulkenberg. Beyond the size of the gap, the Aussie had no real clue as to why he was so far off the pace.

"It was quite difficult, especially on the qualifying sim in the afternoon," said Ricciardo.

"I mean, I was a long way off, so we are just trying to figure out why. I think once we did the long run on high fuel it seemed a bit more representative again, but I certainly feel it can be better."

Ricciardo was given a new chassis for Bahrain as a precautionary measure after his start line mishap in Australia two weeks ago.

The 29-year-old didn't identify a particular issue on his R.S.19 that would require his engineers' attention, but noted a series of points that would need to be addressed.

"I'll try and answer it well instead of saying more grip. Er, traction," he said.

"Well, it's not just traction – there's a few things we're trying to improve: driveability, ride and response of the car, things like this.

"I feel there's quite a few thing that are fighting against each other in a way, so once we clean that up, then hopefully that improves the traction."

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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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