Red Bull’s Ricciardo fastest in first two practice sessions
monaco — Daniel Ricciardo topped the first two practice sessions for the Monaco Grand Prix on Thursday.
In sunny conditions, the Australian driver finished a fraction ahead of Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in both runs on the tight and sinewy 3.4-kilometre (2.1mile) street circuit.
Sebastian Vettel was third quickest for Ferrari and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was fourth in the second practice, reversing their positions from the opening session.
There is a third and final practice on Saturday ahead of qualifying.
Vettel won the Monaco GP last year and the German driver needs another strong performance after dropping points in the title race. Vettel is second overall and 17 points behind Hamilton, who has won the past two races with Vettel placing fourth in both.
Earlier, Ricciardo produced a record lap around the streets of Monaco as Red Bull dominated opening free practice for Formula One’s most glamorous grand prix.
The 28-year-old mastered the winding, metal-fenced streets with a best time of one minute 12.126 seconds, already quicker than Kimi Raikkonen’s 2017 pole position of 1:12.178 for Ferrari.
Dutch team mate Max Verstappen was second quickest, 0.154 seconds slower.
The 20-year-old was also summoned to stewards after reversing onto the track after running off at the first Sainte Devote corner.
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton and closest title rival Sebastian Vettel were third and fourth, with the Mercedes driver lapping in 1:12.480 and Ferrari’s German managing a best effort of 1:13.041.
Hamilton leads Vettel, last year’s winner in Monaco, by 17 points after five races.
Drivers had predicted before the session started that lap records would tumble thanks to the new hypersoft tyres which are making their competitive debut this weekend and track resurfacing.
Ricciardo was third in Monaco last year, after taking pole and finishing second in 2016, and is aiming to take the final step on Sunday. —