Daniel Ricciardo said he was “bruised” but OK after a big crash in second practice ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix.
The Renault driver lost control turning to the high-speed Turn 9 and slid side-on into the barriers causing a red flag to recover his car.
Asked on what caused the accident, Ricciardo admits it was all a bit of a blur.
“It all happened very quickly so I’m not sure what went wrong. I turned in and just lost the car straight away,” he said.
Daniel Ricciardo spun and hit the barriers hard at Turn 9️⃣
He was able to get out of his Renault and the medical examiners have declared him fit for the rest of the weekend ?#AustrianGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/aAfwbEunAf
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 10, 2020
“I know these things happen with cars and in Formula 1, so it’s not out of the ordinary. I’m OK, however, I feel bad for the guys.
“The car felt fine this morning, especially towards the end. The second session would have been interesting, so we’ll just have to find out our pace tomorrow or Sunday.”
Renault has since confirmed the car will be ready to run on Saturday, but there was a question mark over Ricciardo, who was seen with a small limp after hitting his knee on the steering column during the crash.
“They [the doctors] checked it, literally just some bruising. All is good,” he reassured. “I am fine but the car was pretty beat up.”
Ricciardo’s off left it up to teammate Esteban Ocon to lead Renault’s charge and, after a disappointing return to F1 last weekend, he would show some solid pace in P10.
“It’s been a great day in terms of learning on our side,” said the Frenchman. “Our day ran smoothly, and we completed the planned programme, which was good.
“There are a few little things to improve, but there are also some good areas and good points where we know we’re strong. It’s definitely been a useful day and we want more tomorrow.”