Daniel Ricciardo is hoping to move up the order during tomorrow’s race by using an alternate strategy, starting on the super soft tyres.
Ricciardo said: “We’re the only ones in the top 10 starting on the supersofts so hopefully that helps us and ideally the leaders have trouble making the one stop work with the ultrasofts and we capitalise there.
“It’s going to be pretty tricky to overtake so strategy will be key. The race pace looks good and I’m looking forward to coming through the field. We’re obviously better than eighth so we will try to make it happen.”
Ricciardo in his home race also expressed his frustration at receiving a three-place penalty for speeding under red flag conditions in FP2.
The Aussie said: “Obviously starting eighth because of the penalty is frustrating and I thought it was unjust.
“There are reprimands, fines and other things but to shoot me in the ankle before the season starts, well, I think they could’ve done better.
“To be honest, I feel sorry for the guys in front of me tomorrow as they’re the ones I’m going to take my anger out on.”