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Ricciardo: We're Better Prepared Than Ever

11:52, 10 Mar 2018

byNicolás Quarles van Ufford

Red Bull have made it a habit of starting seasons slow and not hitting their stride until later in the year, but the team have vowed to hit the ground running this year from the first Grand Prix in Melbourne. Daniel Ricciardo thinks the Milton Keynes-based more prepared than ever this year.

"We're certainly more ready than we were last year - and probably every year before that since I've been with the team," Ricciardo said.

"We did a lot of laps, I think the pace of the car is not bad, I think we still have some things to improve, it's normal."

"But yeah, going to the race and having confidence to push the car on the limit and to push the engine a little bit, I think we have much more confidence now."

There are pundits and journalists that Red Bull could emerge out of their 'they're in the ballpark'-type of role, and could be a legit winner from early on in the season. The Aussie (who clearly just doesn't want to jinx it) has played this thought down throughout these two weeks of testing, and continues to do so now.

"I think we're looking okay," the Honey Badger said.

"I don't think we're yet the fastest car, I think we've still got to find a bit of time, but I think we'll be close enough to be in the hunt."

"I think we still do have some laptime to find, but I do believe we're in the ballpark. What does 'the ballpark' mean? I don't know. We're there, there or thereabouts."