Daniel Ricciardo believes it will be upto the drivers to make the difference such is the competition in Formula 1’s midfield.
As many as five or even six teams behind the top three could have a legitimate chance at scoring points in Melbourne based on their pace in the pre-season testing.
And while Ricciardo’s Renault squad is expected to emerge as the fourth fastest, the Australian himself isn’t making any predictions for his home race.
“I still don’t really know what to expect in Melbourne,” he told Racer. “I think the midfield battle will be very close.
“I don’t expect to be on the front row, but I don’t expect to be on the back row of the grid. We will be somewhere there in the middle.
“It could even come down to which driver does the better lap in Q2 or Q3,” he added. “A lot of the cars are going to be very close.
“So it could just be whoever does a cleaner lap – that could make a difference of one or even three positions. I’m looking forward to seeing where everyone is at.”
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Ricciardo also going to make any assumptions based on the outcome at Albert Park, suggesting it could be Monaco before a clear midfield order is revealed.
And known as one of F1’s demon overtakers, the ‘Honey Badger’ is looking forward to getting his claws out.
“I’m certainly looking forward to battles. Obviously the further up the grid, the better! I’m expecting a lot,” he said.
“The midfield looks really close and even last year it was tight, you could always see that battle for fourth position in the Constructors’ so that was always going to be close.
“The further up the front, the more fun I’ll be having. In the past few years, I’ve said winning is the greatest satisfaction you get from racing, but the second biggest thing is battling and fighting.
“Just driving around for 60 laps by yourself isn’t so fun, so if you’re in a battle and you get the most of that battle that’s very rewarding.”
