Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo expects the new race start rules to make launches more of a lottery but hopes it could bring the good starters back to their level.
“We did a few little things in Hungary and tried to do some little things on the simulator as well, but in reality for us it can’t be worse,” the Australian told F1.com
Ricciardo has, on average, lost 1.5 places on the opening lap of the race – the most of anyone on the grid, reflecting Red Bull’s launch struggles.
“Our starts haven’t been really good and I think the new procedure employs some new variability, as the teams will find it hard to get the optimum settings in terms of clutch temperature and so on. So I hope it will bring the good starters more to our level – and maybe that will help us.”
The 26-year-old finished the first half of the season on the podium and currently sits 7th in the championship standings on 51 points – 6 more than his teammate.
“We have always been active at the start! But there are still so many variables. If the clutch doesn’t bite and work as it should you are lost. You still need a significant element of luck to have a good start – and you don’t get that from the pit wall anyway.”
Daniel also expects the next couple of races to be tough as the low-downforce characteristics of Spa and Monza play into the hands of the Mercedes and Ferrari powered competition, however, a rain shower could favour the Bulls as displayed earlier this season at Silverstone when Daniil Kvyat became the fastest man towards the rain-affected end.
“I can’t come here expecting too much – even though I would love to walk away like I did last year, but there are always uncertainties about this track – namely the conditions – which always give you the chance to have a good race.”
