Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRed Bull Racing

Ricciardo's boring ride down Shanghai's long straight

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As he seeks an upturn in his team's fortunes in China, Daniel Ricciardo won't be counting on Shanghai International Circuit's long straight to gain an edge as it won't specifically advantage the Red Bull's Renault power.

"It's a long straight," said the 25-year-old Australian. "You can drink a can of Red Bull driving down it! I’ve heard quite a few drivers saying it’s pretty boring. Ha! If they think it’s boring in an F1 car, they should have tried coming here in Formula BMW."

On a more serious note, Ricciardo also stressed that while tyre degradation shall probably not reach the level endured by teams in Malaysia, it would still be something important to factor in given the specific mix of fast, sweeping corners and tight low-speed turns which characterize the track.

"Tyre wear can be pretty extreme as turns one, two and three are all very long and technical - I don't think there's any other corner like it on the calendar - and it's very aggressive on the front tyres. They come in straight away which is awesome."

Daniel Ricciardo finished sixth and tenth respectively in Australia and Malaysia, and sits currently eighth in the driver's championship.

Click here for an interesting take on putting new drivers in third cars.

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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.