Daniel Ricciardo claims Renault has finally developed an engine mode to help improve qualifying performance.
The inability to turn up the power in Q3 was often seen as the biggest weakness for Red Bull during their days with the French manufacturer, often leaving them fifth and sixth on the grid.
That’s why Renault focused predominantly on finding more horsepower with 2019 development and after an upgrade was eased successfully in Spain, their drivers upped the ante on the streets of Monaco.
“Both Nico [Hulkenberg] and I complimented the Renault boys and our qualifying mode felt pretty strong,” Ricciardo revealed.
“My reference from last year, I am pulling an extra gear before some apexes. So definitely a year on it is a lot better. We actually have a real qualifying mode this year.”
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Recently, Cyril Abiteboul admits the focus on performance did result in a shortfall in reliability which Renault has been paying the price for, but Ricciardo does greater potential going forward.
“I feel that it is in the right direction now and the nice thing is there is still more to come,” the Aussie said.
“The reliability is what is going to hold us up from going that step further, but we could squeeze a bit more this weekend.
“Even on a low power circuit, you could feel it. So there are some positives.”
