Daniel Ricciardo says he is happy with how Red Bull performed in “representative” conditions during Friday free practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Australian clocked the seventh quickest time in the hotter, early afternoon session at Yas Marina Circuit, before improving to fourth fastest in FP2, which took place at dusk, a similar time to that of Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race.
“The morning was okay but this evening was a lot better,” Ricciardo said. “This is the important session because this is when we qualify and race, so what has happened with the balance, we are more or less where we want to be. So as always some I fine tuning, but a good day.
“As always, on Saturdays Ferrari and Williams seem to make a step. Sure we can maybe find a little bit more, but probably not a whole lot more. This was pretty representative of our pace, so let’s see what happens Saturday. Hopefully the others don’t close the gap too much.
“I am happy with our car. We are 95 percent there.”
Red Bull’s strong practice pace was not the biggest news of the day for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, with team principal Christian Horner revealing before the sessions that his squad had finally secured a power supply for 2016.
Having a multi-year contract with Red Bull in his pocket, Ricciardo remains as as coy as his boss on the details and intricacies of the agreement.
“We heard today as well that Christian and the guys have made a deal with someone. So we have to wait for whatever reason to say. Maybe you can ask Christian and poke him a little bit and he will leak some information.
“It is good to know that we have got something. Obviously when the team announced we would be on the grid next year they were putting some plans into place for an engine supplier, so let’s see what it is. I am sure that Christian will spread some news soon.”
AS IT HAPPENED: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP2
Eric Silbermann's Abu Dhabi grumpy preview
Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features
Click here for exclusive pictures of the Ferrari power unit
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted that the squad has no regrets about its…
On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…
Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…
Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…
Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…