Ricciardo: Monza result 'a real statement' from Renault

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Daniel Ricciardo says his fourth-place finish in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix was gained on merit, with the result reflecting the fruits of the labour of Renault's engine department in Viry.

Ricciardo and team mate Nico Hulkenberg rounded off the top five at Monza, capping off a weekend during which the Renault drivers finally carried through to race day their strong performance in qualifying.

Ricciardo admitted that Sebastian Vettel's demise early on gave facilitated the French squad's task, but the Aussie insisted his top-four resulted was absolutely warranted.

"I really believe we were a fourth-place car today," said Ricciardo.

"Obviously Seb gave us a bit of help, but once we were in fourth, I thought we definitely had that pace."

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Ricciardo conceded that Monza's specific layout perhaps catered to the qualities of the R.S.19's package, the seven-time Grand Prix winner feels the team will emerge stronger from its Italian Grand prix weekend.

"I really hope we can," he added. "We're coming up to different circuits - high-downforce Singapore, street circuit, bumpy and what ever - but even though this is unique and it's Monza - and you take all the wing off - I definitely feel there's still something we can learn from this."

Ricciardo praised his entire Renault team for Sunday's result, but singled out the gains achieved by the manufacturer on the power unit front by its engine department in Viry-Châtillon.

"I want to give a special shout out to, obviously I'm happy for the whole team… to the boys in Viry building the engines," he said.

"To get the best team result here in Monza on a power circuit since 2008 is a real statement.

"They've come into a lot of grief in the last few years, they've made some big gains this year on the power unit, and this one's for them!"

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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.