Ricciardo praises Renault engine gains: "We actually have a real qualifying mode"

Daniel Ricciardo is only into his sixth race at Renault, but he's one of the most experienced drivers on the current Formula 1 grid with their engine. At the back end of last season, he experienced engine trouble like no other in his Red Bull.

Troubles were that big he punched a hole in the wall as a result. Fast forward a few months, and now the Australian is dishing out praise for the improvements.

"Our quali mode was, I felt, pretty strong. My reference from last year, obviously, I'm pulling an extra gear before some apexes and stuff like that. And so definitely a year on it's a lot better," Ricciardo is quoted by RaceFans. 

Renault sits 8th in the constructor's standings, just a point from Alfa Romeo in 9th. Apart from the first race in his home country, Ricciardo has managed to outqualify Nico Hulkenberg on every occasion.

Ricciardo's highest start to a Grand Prix came last weekend in Monaco. His performance on Saturday gave him a seventh-place start in the race. It's no surprise, Ricciardo has become more pleased.

"I think even from China, which was our last little step, it's getting there. We actually have a real qualifying mode this year," Ricciardo added.