Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRed Bull Racing

Ricciardo happy with 'nice lonely run' to fourth

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Daniel Ricciardo put more points on the board today for Red Bull, scoring a hard-fought fourth place finish in a bustling Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Aussie picked up some front wing damage early on off the spinning Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1 but remained in the hunt nevertheless until stopping for soft tyres after 6 laps.

"The start was interesting as I didn't think I got a very good launch," said Ricciardo.

"The first corner was tight. I saw some contact in front and managed to get caught up in it as well. Damaged the front wing.

"I was worried that I’d have to come into the pits and fix it, but in the end the damage was not as bad as I originally thought."

GALLERY: Bahrain Grand Prix

Despite a slightly damaged front wing, Ricciardo eventually moved up the ranks, enjoying a few good scraps along the way, notably with Massa's Williams and Toro Rosso's Verstappen.

Ricciardo didn't question his crew's decision to shod the Red Bull with a Medium set of tyres in his final stint rather than continue on the last available set of SuperSofts.

"I asked the team what tyre we were going for and they said the mediums. I didn't contest that, basically I knew it was the best thing to do.

"Because we weren't fighting anyone and couldn't catch the cars in front, we knew the mediums would get us to the end safely."

The Red Bull remained in contention for a top 5 spot however, eventually securing 4th as he raced pretty much on his own in the latter part of the race.

"Fourth is good and I am happy. Last part was a bit lonely but it was a nice lonely because we know Mercedes and Ferrari are a step ahead.

RACE REPORT: Rosberg beats Raikkonen to win in Bahrain

AS IT HAPPENED: Bahrain Grand Prix

GALLERY: Sakhir podium

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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.