But despite his anger Ricciardo still went on to clock the quickest lap by six-tenths of a second, with Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton saying they were stunned by the unexpected speed of Red Bull’s Ricciardo. At the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix, he collided with the barriers in Free Practice 3 and the race on Sunday.
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Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco:A determined Daniel Ricciardo flew to the fastest time in Thursday’s action-packed second free practice for Sunday’s 74th running of the classic Monaco Grand Prix as a revived Red Bull left Mercedes gasping in pursuit.
While many in the paddock and a new generation of fans will focus on Dutch teenager Max Verstappen, Formula One’s youngest victor, as he starts his second race for Red Bull, the key contests will all centre around the three-time world champion as he bids to keep alive his title defence.
Max Verstappen, the 18-year-old who became the sport’s youngest-ever victor following his memorable triumph in Spain, was fourth quickest almost one second slower than his Red Bull team-mate. “I’ll take the same approach as always – flat out and do what’s necessary to try to win this grand prix, which is what I’ve come here to do”.
“Unfortunately, most likely, it’s going to be exactly the same as the years before”, he said. There will be many, many opportunities in the future but this opportunity is still there – we have 16 races to go – and I’m remaining positive. “I’m sure he wants to feel that again”.
“Everyone that’s expecting a good race should know this is a track that you really can’t overtake on, so qualifying’s going to be the race”, added Hamilton. “I missed a lot of laps, and we know in Monaco it is important to be on the track all the time you can”. His Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, the 18-year-old who became the sport’s youngest-ever victor following his memorable triumph in Spain, was next up in the order with Daniil Kvyat – now racing for Toro Rosso – sixth fastest.
Mexican Sergio Perez was eighth for Force India ahead of four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and 2009 champion Briton Jenson Button of McLaren Honda.
Ricciardo was trying to check out the power limits in his Red Bull when he got slowed down behind Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. “On both sets of tyres, he’s been quicker than the Mercedes. It looks very good”.
Vettel also survived two brushes with the barriers on the unforgiving Mediterranean street circuit.
Vettel then lost control at Mirabeau and damaged the rear of his Ferrari.
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We give you our predictions for our favourite race of the year. “Get a spare ready”.
