Daniel Riccardo: We have the potential to improve

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo scored points in Imola’s sprint, finishing fifth and sixth respectively. The team is satisfied with the results of the day and will try to at least repeat the same result in Sunday’s race.

Lando Norris (5th): “What a difficult sprint! I just didn’t have the speed to keep up with the guys up front, but we did our best today and took the points, so I’m happy.

We have good starting positions, so we will try to fight for more points if we start from fifth position. We have a lot of work to do tonight, but I’m still happy.”

Daniel Riccardo (6th): “I didn’t know what to expect from the sprint as we didn’t dry out this weekend. Given the problems in the morning practice, I was more willing to get to the start and see where it would lead.

I started well, quickly overtaking Fernando and then Kevin Magnussen. At one point in the braking zone, however, I was sandwiched between Kevin and Sergio and there was contact between us. Fortunately the car was not damaged.

I tried to find a rhythm, there were problems with the tires closer to the finish, but otherwise I’m happy with the results of the sprint and the points earned. I think we have the potential to improve a little bit, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Must be interesting.”

Andreas Seidli, Team Principal: “A very good result – both drivers have earned points and we have a good starting position at the start of Sunday’s race. Lando’s fifth place and Daniel’s sixth is our maximum for today.

After a difficult start to the day we came back. Daniel missed practice due to car problems and Lando spent most of the session in the pits due to brake problems. Thanks to the whole team at the track, to the grassroots and to our colleagues from Mercedes HPP for the hard work today.

In the evening we have to work to prepare for the race, that should be exciting.”