- Malaysian GP - FP2
Ricciardo encouraged by Renault driveability progress
Daniel Ricciardo says Renault has solved many of the driveability issues which hampered Red Bull so drastically in Melbourne.
Red Bull and Renault's relationship came under strain following the Australian Grand Prix, with Red Bull laying the blame solely in the French manufacturer's camp after a frustrating opening race plagued with driveability problems. Renault fought back, saying there are failings on both the engine and aerodynamic side, but admitted it had taken a backwards step over the winter.
Ricciardo says there were signs of progress with the power unit in Sepang on Friday.
"Some things are definitely positive," Ricciardo said. "From the first lap this morning the bulk of the driveability issues we experienced in Melbourne are a lot better. It's now similar to what we had in testing back in February. That was our biggest issue in Melbourne, summarising the weekend, but predominantly that's gone now which is good. We got to do a few set-up things this morning and then had a few issues this afternoon which limited any real running for us. Though there's not many laps to show there are some positives, at least on the engine side and driveability side."
The Australian's running time on Friday was hampered by an MGU-K issue, something he says started causing trouble after his first FP2 lap. That left him languishing down in 10th but team-mate Daniil Kvyat went fourth late in the session with a 1:30.364 on the medium tyre.
When asked if Kvyat's time shows a glimmer of the RB11's potential Ricciardo agreed, though he still thinks its main strength is on the aerodynamic side.
"I think that's fair, definitely. From what I remember the second sector was pretty competitive, and that's your high-speed stuff where you're really leaning on the car. Aerodynamically through the faster corners the car is good. There's definitely some right signs with that."
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