Daniel Ricciardo is counting on Red Bull's decision to start on a different tyre to those ahead to aid his chances of securing a podium position and to even challenge Mercedes for the race win on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.
Ricciardo chose to use the supersoft tyres during Q2 to set his quickest time, whilst Mercedes driver's Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg both used the ultrasoft, meaning they will start the race on those tyres.
Whilst Mercedes believe the difference between them is tiny, Ricciardo, knowing Mercedes have a pace advantage, says he had to try something different.
"We've got to try something, I think," said the Australian. "It seems to be the trend this year obviously.
"If we're in a position to qualify on a different tyre, then we'll try and see if it gives us an opportunity. We'll see what it does tomorrow, but hopefully it puts us in the fight."
Overall, Ricciardo is happy with his and the team's performance on Saturday, adding: "It was a pretty slow starting qualifying session for me but we sort of chipped away at it and then in Q3, obviously when it mattered, I put in some good times.
""I'm happy, third was the target and hopefully I'll be somewhere around there as well tomorrow."
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