Daniel Ricciardo believes Red Bull can challenge for the victory at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday after coming within less than a couple of tenths of pole position.
The Australian held provisional pole until Nico Rosberg and then Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line, but with a gap of just 0.173 seconds between him and pole, he says Red Bull are closer than they thought they’d be.
“It’s definitely encouraging,” he said. “Coming into the weekend I thought if we could be within two or three tenths it gives us more optimistic chance of staying with them in the race.
“We ended up a bit closer than we thought we would, particularly after yesterday, so it was a good day.
“It’s going to be a fun race tomorrow, definitely, tyres are going to be key, but it’s also not going to be as simple as Monza where we had a one stop.”
Lewis Hamilton also admitted shock at seeing how close Mercedes’ rivals are now after dominating much of the season.
“The others have taken a step, it is a real, real surprise,” said the Briton. “I’m just as surprised to see Ferrari competing on a lap, which is great to see, also Williams and Red Bull.
“For racing it is great. That is the most exciting qualifying session I have had for a long time. You have to be spot on and I was almost [on that last lap].”
