Ricciardo: It looks like we are at the head of the middle group of teams

On Friday in Suzuka, the RB team worked with three riders: Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo and Ayumu Iwasa, who replaced the Australian in the first session. Based on the results of two training sessions, the team believes that the car’s speed will allow them to compete for points this weekend.

Yuki Tsunoda (4th): “It’s great to be back in Suzuka and perform in front of the Japanese fans – I really enjoyed it!

A positive first day for us. We had a good training and showed a time in the top ten, the pace is there. The updated underbody was supposed to improve efficiency in slow corners, but we didn’t really expect any gains in medium-fast and fast corners. Together with the engineers we will find areas where we need to improve before the third training and qualification.

It was a special day, but it’s only Friday, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend to give it my all and fight for the best possible result.”

Daniel Ricciardo (5th): “I missed the first training and made way for Ayume in the home stage. Sitting on the pit wall I saw a huge amount of telemetry, watched video from the cameras and listened to the drivers’ radio conversations, so it was a productive session and I learned a lot.

In the second practice I returned to the car, but it was a shame that the track conditions meant I could only complete a few laps. The weather was changeable: the track was not wet enough to work on intermediate tires, but not dry enough for slicks either. As a result, I haven’t ridden much, so a few seconds will be enough for me to summarize the day.

In the morning Yuki quickly got up to speed and spent almost the entire session in the top ten. It looks like we are heading the middle group of teams. You never know how events will develop in qualifying, but apparently we are in the positions we expected.”

Ayumu Iwasa (16th in the first session): “I have raced at Suzuka many times, but behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car the circuit looks very different. Since the machine’s capacity limit is higher, I could attack harder. I have gained good experience for the future and appreciate this opportunity. Many thanks to Red Bull, Honda and all the team members who welcomed me warmly.

Today there were no problems, I felt the car straight away and picked up the pace faster than expected, which is positive. I think we made progress together as a team during the session. My main job was to gather as much information as possible for the team, so I didn’t attack too much as it was important to complete as many laps as possible.

At the end of the series of laps on the second set of tires I could pick up the pace and feel the Formula 1 car in Suzuka. I think we have achieved our goals and for the rest of the weekend I will try to gain as much experience as possible with the team. Today’s performances gave me extra motivation to work even harder.”