Daniel Ricciardo believes Red Bull are in a close fight with Ferrari this weekend as the two teams were evenly matched during free practice for the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring.
Sebastian Vettel was best of the rest behind the Mercedes duo of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in both sessions but both Ricciardo and teammate Max Verstappen were close behind.
“On one-lap [pace] it is close – I think we could have got a bit more out of our low-fuel run but it will be close tomorrow on one lap,” Ricciardo said. “Seb won the Ferrari/Red Bull battle today. I think we can get a little bit more out of one lap and [it] should be a good battle.”
Ricciardo was encouraged by the pace shown by Red Bull on heavier fuel, however, was eight-tenths off Rosberg’s benchmark in qualifying trim.
“Today looked closer to the Mercs on high fuel, so that was good. But let’s see what happens on Sunday. But definitely the high fuel was more competitive.”
Ferrari currently lead Red Bull by a single point in the Constructors’ Championship.
