Ricciardo gives Red Bull wings, sets early pace
Daniel Ricciardo set the pace in Friday’s opening practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix, boosting Red Bull’s hopes of challenging for victory at the Marina Bay street circuit Formula One race.
The Australian’s time of one minute 42.489 seconds was a new record and he ended the session 0.109 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who is seeking his third successive victory, was fourth behind Ricciardo’s team mate Max Verstappen. He was 0.415 seconds off Ricciardo’s pace.
The Briton, who seized the overall lead from title-rival Vettel after leading Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas to a one-two finish in Monza, is expecting a less straightforward weekend in Singapore. The tight twists of the circuit are expected to play to Ferrari’s strengths, with the Italian outfit dominant at similar layouts in Monaco and Hungary earlier in the year. When I finished at Manchester United, it was quite early on in my retirement and Futsal was a big thing. I’ve never been to India before, never played Futsal, and like I’ve my entire life, it was a new challenge, different and interesting. It has to capture the imagination. If people sit down with their families and watch it, it can have a massive effect. Wales had never been to a major championship for nearly 60 years and then they went on to reach the semifinal (in Euro 2016). The impact that had on Wales as a country was huge. If India gets it right, it can only be good in the long run. It’s always difficult... He wasn’t an automatic choice for England. When you play for 15-20 years at a big club, then in the Champions League and the internationals, you don’t get any rest. I’m glad he stayed in the Premier League. Him going back to his previous club I feel was the right decision. Before the season I thought it I felt I was ready. I know the club, its traditions, so there were pluses but I did not have the experience in coaching before. I wanted to do the job, I was ready but I also understand why it went down the Mourinho way. Don’t think so, but who knows? After Mourinho, depending on how long he lasts, does he stay 3, 4, 5, 6 years which he hasn’t done before, is he successful, what’s the state of the club when he leaves; I mean there are several things that will depend on who the next appointment is.