Ricciardo lags in first F1 session
Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo admits to being in learning mode when making his official testing debut for new team Renault in Barcelona, but can’t wait to develop his “new relationship”.
Ricciardo hit the track for his first official testing session in his new machine yesterday at the first day of Formula One testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Ricciardo completed 44 laps and his best lap time of 1:20.983 was the slowest time among the 11 drivers to hit the track.
But the Perth racer wasn’t concerned with his place in the standings, but instead settling into his new car and building mileage in what he described as a “promising” start ahead of next month’s Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
Ricciardo stunned the F1 world last year when he made the decision to switch to the French manufacturer after five years with Red Bull Racing.
“Today was about bedding ourselves back into it and, for me, continuing to learn about a new car and a new team,” he said.
“It’s important we keep increasing our mileage. We have plenty to analyse but it’s been a promising first official day.
“I’m excited to hit the track again and develop this new relationship.’’
Ricciardo and teammate Nico Hulkenberg will share driving duties during the first fourday pre-season test this week.
Hulkenberg, entering his third season with Renault, had the first stint in the car on day one and completed 65 laps with a best time of 1:20.980.
“For me anyway, it hasn’t changed that much ... I would say yes (there is more power), but then again we have a lot more drag with the rear wing so you have less of that sensation,” Hulkenberg said.