Ricciardo seeking to go 'elbows out' at the start on Sunday

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Daniel Ricciardo is hoping to take advantage of his P4 position on the grid to outrun a few of his rivals up Spa's Kemmel straight at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Ricciardo confirmed in Saturday's qualifying the form showcased in free practice on Friday, the Aussie predictably earning a spot in the Q3 shootout and clocking in an impressive fourth behind poleman Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen.

The result was likely the best the Renault driver could achieve, but Ricciardo isn't dismissing a run among the top three on Sunday.

2020 Belgium Grand Prix - Qualifying results

"I've been happy all weekend, we showed really good speed yesterday," said the future McLaren charger.

"It seems that last year these were our strong tracks, these lower downforce [tracks], Spa, Monza, and it seems like we've replicated that this year.

"So it's pretty fun here when you get a lap hooked up."

The weatherman at Spa is forecasting a 60% chance of rain, a spanner in the works that often allows an opportunity for those in the midfield to spring a surprise or two.

Yet Ricciardo is hoping for a dry afternoon given his Renault R.S.20's low downforce set-up at Spa.

"If it rains it rains, but I'm kind of hoping for a dry one because obviously we've got good track position and pretty good straight-line speed," Ricciardo said.

"I think the start of the race we have a real opportunity, and then I think I can defend awhile if I have to.

"So that's the plan, try and go a few better at the start and elbows out!"

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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.