‘Double’ in top-10
Double placing in Q3 for the Racing Bulls in qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, on a day in which the Faenza team had announced the renewal of Yuki Tsunoda a few minutes before the start of the decisive session for the hunt for pole position. However, as happened only in China during this first part of the 2024 world championship, the Japanese will start from behind his teammate.
Ricciardo in the third row
Despite the good 8th place of the Japanese, Daniel Ricciardo he managed to do even better by recording the 5th time, equivalent to RB’s best qualifying result in this world championship and silencing the constant controversy over his disappointing performances. By just 75 thousandths behind compatriot Oscar Piastri, the Australian even came close to gaining access to the all-McLaren second row.
No surprise
Great enthusiasm and happiness for the smiling driver of Italian origins, and it couldn’t be otherwise: “I’m very happy with how today went – commented – it was an excellent and very fun weekend, one of those where everything seems to go well. We are less than two tenths from pole position and, even if we didn’t get there today, sometimes this gap can allow you to start from the front row. So, it’s rewarding to be so competitive and feel comfortable with the car. In Q3, it was crucial to do a quick warm-up lap, which I highlighted to the team. I did that and then gained the confidence for the timed lap. It was great to complete a good lap, but I’m not surprised because I know I’m capable of these performances when I feel fit. I’m happy to have succeeded on my own, but it’s also thanks to the team, who got both cars into Q3 and achieved a great result. Coming here to Montreal is always special for me and I have good memories: ten years ago I won my first race here and my life has changed since then. The team also feels good energy this weekend, so I’m excited to turn that into a solid performance. Tomorrow we will start from a good position inside the top 5, with some strong riders ahead of me, so I will give my all in the race.”
The wind denies a better result
Saturday in Montreal therefore ended positively for RB, with Tsunoda galvanized by an eighth position which does not reflect the difficulties encountered during free practice: “As demonstrated by the results, the team did an exceptional job and it was a great day for us – he has declared – personally, after struggling a bit in free practice, it was satisfying to be able to turn the situation around in qualifying. During my fastest lap, a gust of wind in Turn 2 made me lose a lot of time, but reaching Q3 again is still a positive result. So far, the race weekend has been a series of ups and downs that have put me to the test, but Being able to overcome these challenges is always rewarding and all the credit goes to the team. We’re waiting to see what the weather will be like tomorrow, but we have a competitive car and, of course, we’re aiming to gain more points, hoping to get both cars into the top ten.”
#Ricciardo #weekend
