Ricciardo expecting “points tomorrow” despite “mixed emotions” in qualifying

0.055 seconds was all that stood between Daniel Ricciardo and his first Q3 appearance of the year, with the Australian feeling “mixed emotions” but insisting on “points tomorrow” as he lines up from P11.

Saturday at Suzuka was Daniel Ricciardo’s first proper running around the iconic 5.8km circuit since his days at McLaren in 2022.

As a result, the morning practice session was crucial for the Australian’s qualifying campaign, even if it wasn’t completely smooth sailing.

Ricciardo punched in 24 laps during the hour-long session, finishing FP3 in P13 after a spin midway through. 

“We didn’t get any dry running yesterday so we had a few laps this morning to get into it, including a spin!” Ricciardo said.

“And then, obviously, quick work to find those few tenths in quali, so yeah, for that, I’m pleased with us being pretty much there, but, it’s not Q3.”

Daniel Ricciardo during qualifying in Japan. Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool.

Come qualifying, Ricciardo and the watchdogs at Red Bull had their eyes on the #3 making it to Q3, or at least challenging for a place in the top-ten shootout. 

After his first run in Q1, Ricciardo found himself sitting in an at-risk P13, with only Albon and Ocon as a buffer to the elimination zone as the grid set off for their second attempts.

As drivers crossed the line, the ‘Honey Badger’ drifted into the elimination zone, making for a very stressful run across the unforgiving 18-corner track.

From the outset of his final Q1 lap, Ricciardo set personal best sectors.

Ultimately, they added up to be enough for the ninth-fastest time, notably ahead of Tsunoda, to secure him a spot in Q2.

In Q2, both RB drivers’ first runs put them in the bottom five, split by Ocon.

Ricciardo had the tough task of promoting himself from P13, sitting around a second behind the cut-off time.

On his final Q2 run, he moved into a very dangerous P10, a position that proved fatal when he was demoted into the elimination zone by his home hero teammate.

Joining Ricciardo in the elimination zone were Hulkenberg, Bottas, Albon and Ocon.

Daniel Ricciardo during qualifying at the Japanese GP. Image: Andy Hone / LAT Images.

“Mixed emotions cause I think deep down, if we forget the ‘scoreboard’ so to speak, I think it was a good session,” Ricciardo said.

“I’ve calmed down a little bit – not that I was angry, but, just yeah… the competitor in me, of course.

“I knew I was P10, and then when you get bumped by just a little bit, yeah, it would have been nice to give the guys a boost, but, I think, honestly, they all seemed pretty happy.

“After yesterday, to come out today and have a strong showing… we’ve got to take that.”

Ricciardo was adamant that as much as he was disappointed to not have advanced through to the final stage of qualifying, his VCARB 01 showed some positive signs that have led him to believe points are well and truly on the table tomorrow. 

“It’s obviously been a bit of a steady start to our year so a day like this certainly isn’t a win, I’m not going that far, but, we do see some positives in it.

“Our race pace has been alright, clean side of the grid tomorrow, so I’ll find myself in the top ten early.

“We’re obviously there on the cusp of points, and after a good start we will be in there and then we will not let them go, so points tomorrow!”

Ricciardo will have his teammate ahead and Nico Hulkenberg in his mirrors come lights out, which takes place at 3:00 PM, AEST, tomorrow.

2024 Japanese Grand Prix

Friday, April 5

Practice 1: 13.30-14.30

Practice 2: 17.00-18.00

Saturday, April 6

Practice 3: 13.30-14.30

Qualifying: 17.00-18.00

Sunday, April 7

Grand Prix: 15.00

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