Mercedes won't be dominant - Ricciardo

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Daniel Ricciardo's sixth place in qualifying today nets the Aussie a P5 on tomorrow's grid thanks to Sebastian Vettel's grid position.

While the performance was good, the Red Bull driver was probably expecting a bit more from his RB12 in qualifying mode.

"To be honest I did what I could," Ricciardo acknowledged.

"We had a few issues, it's a bit frustrating, and frustrating to see how close it is, but I was trying. On the second lap there in the end I sort of found a bit more in sector 1 but then it felt like it hurt the tyres in the last part of the lap.

Ricciardo explained that he was "a bit slower down the straights" but wouldn't elaborate on exactly what issues hampered his performance overall.

The Australian was asked however whether the issues would affect his race pace tomorrow.

"Hopefully not, we'll see. It's just a little bit frustrating, you give away free lap time and it's hard to take as a driver, but it is what it is for now."

Ricciardo believes that the prospect of Mercedes being forced to be a little more conservative with their engines only strengthens Red Bull's own chances.

"Obviously I'm still looking at the race with good optimism. I don't think they'll be dominant tomorrow. Even if they still come home with a 1-2, I don't think they'll be streaks ahead.

"We'll try and put some pressure on them, do what we can. Ferrari were also quick today so I think it's going to be a pretty good battle with all three of us."

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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.