Ricciardo says Renault F1 automobile “happier” in low-downforce perfect
Right two weeks after Renault endured a worldly time in Spain as both drivers did not create it into Q3, Ricciardo qualified fourth at Spa-Francorchamps with teammate Esteban Ocon two areas additional assist.
The duo’s slouch in the first and third sectors at Spa have highlighted Renault has opted for a decrease downforce resolution than different teams here – and it is one which Ricciardo suggests has made the RS20 attain alive.
“We’re glorious light,” mentioned Ricciardo when asked by Motorsport.com relating to the low downforce more than just a few.
“We feel this changed into as soon as a characteristic of the car final year. I maintain like, for regardless of motive, the autos appears to be like a diminutive bit extra happier with a diminutive bit less load on it.
“Clearly you would possibly well well no longer bustle this low around a circuit like Barcelona, nonetheless after we attain attain to these extra excessive-accelerate flowing circuits, it correct appears to be like like it is in a much bigger situation with a smaller rear waft.”
He added: “I deem even though we had a diminutive bit extra waft to preserve from, we could calm carry on this one for this tune. It be working successfully.”
Ricciardo mentioned that as soon as taking the downforce off, the Renault automobile felt like it had better balance than when it is running bigger wings.
“In most cases, it will calm feel worse as some distance as having less downforce, and could well well well trip extra and be a diminutive bit extra unhappy,” explained the Australian.
“But yeah, it doesn’t incessantly feel that method. It correct feels like it is a diminutive bit at occasions better balanced.
“I’m no longer saying there is extra grip on hand. But yeah, , from the front and the rear of the car, the two front tyres and the two rear tyres, I maintain like they’re working collectively better in straightforward terms after we seem to keep a smaller waft. It appears to be like it is a characteristic of the car for now.”
Having been 2d quickest in Friday’s 2d free be conscious session, Ricciardo admitted that the personnel had been worried about its potentialities for Saturday after fearing things had gone too successfully on the outlet day.
“It be funny if truth be told,” he mentioned. “The day earlier than as of late, the vibe changed into as soon as like it went too successfully. Everyone changed into as soon as like ‘oh, we’re 2d, , we’re gonna be let down now the next day because, , even per chance seventh is no longer indubitably precise sufficient’.
“With the procedure to support it up with a top four, I deem it is a indubitably, indubitably precise day. It be a indubitably precise weekend to this level.”