Ricciardo predicts Qatar GP: 'It's going to be terrible'

Daniel Ricciardo set a disappointing time during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, starting the race in 14th position. However, the lacklustre performance did not cause the Australian to lose the smile on his face.

If only for the world championship Ricciardo can use the points this weekend. The former teammate of Max Verstappen is only 13 points ahead of Pierre Gasly who starts the race in fourth position. The Frenchman will therefore come pretty close if he finishes the race.

Fourteenth position means Ricciardo starts on the dirty part of the track. "Let's see if we can't get this side of the track clean at night. Or maybe we should protest against an opponent so we can move up a position and go to the clean side. They were all in the way, so I'm going to complain," Ricciardo stated, laughing, in conversation with Speedweek.com.

He then went on to seriously discuss his chances. Ricciardo doesn't expect to end up in the top ten any time soon. "It's going to be terrible. I know that sounds very negative. But because there are few overtaking opportunities here, that's to be expected."