Daniel Ricciardo is a 'long way off' but doesn't know why

Daniel Ricciardo has been struggling at Renault. He looks uncomfortable in the car and seems to be a long way behind his team-mate Nico Hulkenberg. During yesterday's sessions, the Aussie was nearly two seconds off the pace and he does not know why. There is no clear problem with the car so Renault will hope to resolve the issue in time for today's sessions.   

"It was quite difficult, especially on the qualifying sim in the afternoon," said Ricciardo to F1i.com.

"I mean, I was a long way off, so we are just trying to figure out why. I think once we did the long run on high fuel it seemed a bit more representative again, but I certainly feel it can be better."

"I'll try and answer it well instead of saying more grip. Er, traction," he said.

"Well, it's not just traction – there are a few things we're trying to improve: driveability, ride and response of the car, things like this.

"I feel there are quite a few things that are fighting against each other in a way, so once we clean that up, then hopefully that improves the traction."

After such a disappointing result last weekend, Ricciardo will hope that things go better later on today and during the race tomorrow. It is positive that his team-mate is doing so well and that should encourage Ricciardo that a good performance is possible.