Monaco Grand Prix: Ricciardo prays heavens don’t open up

Aussie confident he will shine, provided that the sun does too

MONTE CARLO: Daniel Ricciardo was glancing at the sky yesterday and hoping it remained clear and dry as he and the Formula One circus relaxed on the traditional ‘rest day’ at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

The Australian, who clocked a best time in his Red Bull that was six-tenths of a second faster than nearest rival Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes during Thursday’s practice, wants the track conditions to remain unchanged for today’s final practice and qualifying sessions.

“If it is the same again, I am confident,” he said. “I feel so good in the car and I love this circuit. I really feel it’s my time here and now.”



The Perth-born has not won a race since reeling off three wins in 2014 and would dearly relish a chance to succeed compatriot Mark Webber in triumphing in the calendar’s most glamorous race.

Webber won in Monaco in 2010 and 2012, but since then, Mercedes have emerged as the leading outfit with Nico Rosberg, leader of this year’s title race, claiming victory at the last three Monaco races.



That run of success in the Mediterranean principality has given Rosberg an opportunity to join Brazilian Ayrton Senna by claiming a fourth consecutive win in the classic contest. However, after watching Ricciardo and his Red Bull’s speed, the German is fully aware he has his work cut out for himself.

“If it had been qualifying and not practice, then Red Bull would be on pole,” said Rosberg after struggling to find the pace to match Ricciardo. “We have to do some serious homework.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2016.

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