• British Grand Prix - Qualifying

Ricciardo keen to back up P6 to impress Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo qualified in sixth place while team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne was 13th © Getty Images

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• Race:
• British Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Daniel Ricciardo

• Teams:
• Toro Rosso

Daniel Ricciardo says it is important to back up his impressive qualifying performance with a strong result in the British Grand Prix.

With Mark Webber announcing he is leaving Red Bull at the end of the year, the scrutiny on the two Toro Rosso drivers has increased as both have been named as candidates to replace him. Ricciardo admitted his sixth place on the grid was well timed but said it is more important to convert that in to a strong result on Sunday.

"Obviously it doesn't hurt, but got to back it up tomorrow of course," Ricciardo said. "It's good, it shows that when we get the car right and we get things going well we can be quick. It's nice to confirm the speed that I know I have, so a good day. I think it started yesterday really, we had a good car out of the pits and that's been our weakest point.

"I think this year it's too many times on a Friday night we've been trying to reinvent the wheel whereas we got it right yesterday and it was pretty much step-by-step today and it worked out well."

Ricciardo also said he didn't think there was any more importance on his results now than in the past.

"It's always important; I don't think anything changes now. We've always been watched whether it's the beginning of this year or last year, all of our results and everything we do is always being monitored. Just because the seat is available now I don't think it changes their approach either, they've always been watching us. OK it's come at a good time and I needed it because the previous two races didn't go well for me but I don't think anything's really changed."

Ricciardo said the improved performance wasn't the result of any major updates but mainly the team getting the most out of the car.

"We've had a couple of little updates but nothing massive that we've actually advertised but bits and pieces here and there with the floor, a couple of little trimmings or whatever just to find a little bit more downforce. So these things are definitely helping, but I think we've shown throughout the season we've always had the speed somewhere, it's just getting it right and trying to expose it."

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