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Ricciardo hopeful of better racing in 2019 after first test

Ricciardo hopeful of better racing in 2019 after first test

22-02-2019 12:25
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Jake Williams-Smith

Daniel Ricciardo says he is feeling positive after the first week of testing about the prospect of closer racing in 2019. The Australian completed his first week with Renault after moving from Red Bull over the winter.

Last season, due to the complex wing designs and reliance on front-end aerodynamics, wheel-to-wheel racing was difficult due to cars being unable to race closely due to 'dirty air' ruining aero efficiency.

However, new rules for the designs of front and rear wings as well as other aerodynamic-focused changes designed to simplify the cars appear to have had a positive impact.

Speaking after stepping out of the car during the first week of testing, Ricciardo reported that he was able to follow the car ahead easier than last year.

"I did [on Wednesday] and it actually seemed alright, but at the time I was lapping quite a bit quicker [than the car in front].

"I don't know what car it was but I assumed they had more fuel so maybe that's why it was easier for me to follow.

"If that was a like for like, it felt better but I don't want to get too excited. We're still going to feel it, don't get me wrong, but I would like to think that was a sign that we might feel it a bit less."

After the conclusion of the initial week of testing ahead of the first race in Melbourne, the running order is still very much up in the air according to the Australian.

"I feel it hasn't been that obvious. I feel like it's been decent but I kind of feel like everyone has a pretty decent car at the moment.

"Like I said, to be in the 1:17s or even the 1:18s, you're kind of humming. Turn three would be flat, turn nine's probably flat. The car's probably not doing too much wrong, but it's [hard to say]. There are not alarm bells."