Ricciardo: Confidence, not new engine, key to Monaco pace

Practice pacesetter Daniel Ricciardo believes that his speed in Monaco is more down to “commitment and confidence” rather than the upgraded Renault engine.

Ricciardo outpaced Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton by 0.6s in FP2 on Thursday using the new TAG-branded power unit, but believe it's only worth "one or two tenths".

"Obviously I've got good confidence in the car so that's the most important thing around here," he said. "We've got a good car around here as well. I think it's down to a little bit of both [upgraded engine and personal performance].

"Let's see how we go in qualifying, today I'm happy. It's certainly one where you can find a little bit more if you're willing to push it on the limit.

"I've always enjoyed it around here. I felt more comfortable this afternoon with the balance; I think we made some good progress. I think we're in a pretty good window now.

"It depends what the track's gonna do on Saturday, but if it doesn't change much then I don't think we'll be touching too much. Just send it on Saturday.

"[Victory on Sunday] is definitely my aim, I feel it's my time basically, and this is the best track to do it. You can really show personality on this track with commitment and confidence.

"I think Mercedes will turn it up and get a lot closer, but hopefully I can stay in front."

On the subject of the upgraded Renault engine, Ricciardo said: "It's not six tenths [faster], I know that much. I'm sure it's a little bit.

"I would say it's between one or two tenths at the moment – we'll have to have a look, but it seems something like this for now."

Horner "massively impressed"

Team principal Christian Horner was also buoyed by Ricciardo's form, as his team hunts for a second successive race win.

"It was a massively impressive session for Daniel," he told Sky Sports. "On both sets of tyres, he's been quicker than the Mercedes.

"Of course nobody knows what fuel levels, engine modes people are using, but certainly a positive start. Short runs and long runs look very competitive.

"His precision and the cleanness he's driving with, it's [of] a guy that's totally at one with the car. It's great to watch, and the car is working fantastically well – and the laptimes take care of themselves."