P – Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo struggled to contain his delight on Saturday after qualifying in seventh for the Chinese Grand Prix, the first time in almost a year that he has been in the top 10.
The Toro Rosso driver was the surprise package of qualifying in Shanghai and he will start Sunday’s race in the unusual position of seeing world champion Sebastian Vettel in his rear-view mirrors. Vettel was back in ninth.
“It’s the first time since Bahrain (in April) last year that I’ve made it to the top 10, so that’s nearly a whole year,” said the 23-year-old.
“I am definitely looking forward to having a strong race tomorrow and will give it all I’ve got to make the most of this seventh place on the grid.
“I think it will be an exciting race and, today, you could see that most of us waited until the last moments in Q3 to go out, with everyone thinking about saving tyres for tomorrow, as the options were having a hard time on a long run on Friday.
“This result will boost everyone’s spirits, and mine as well and I really can’t wait for the lights to go out tomorrow. The guys have been working so hard back at the factory and they’ve made the car quicker, so well done to everyone.”
Ricciardo’s qualifying performance was summed up by a rival in just two words: “Ricciardo, wow”.
The rival was McLaren’s Jenson Button, who made the succinct comment after being told the order of the top-10 qualifiers over his radio.
Ricciardo ended up qualifying ahead of Vettel, Button, fellow Australian Mark Webber and other leading lights.