Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo upbeat after latest Formula One test

Daniel Ricciardo didn’t set world beating times at the recent Formula One test in Barcelona but he was optimistic that engine supplier Renault is making sure progress with its upgraded power unit.

Renault and its customer team Red Bull each ran the revised power unit in Spain and Ricciardo cautiously indicated he could feel the improvement.

Asked if he could sense the progress from the Renault, Ricciardo replied: "Yes. I think so. The progress is definitely there.”

He is looking forward to the next race at a racetrack that may favour a good-handling chassis like his Red Bull’s, without greatly disadvantaging a car without the power of a Mercedes or Ferrari. "Monaco will be our best chance yet,” Ricciardo said.

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A Renault-engined car won its first GP of 2016 in Barcelona when Max Verstappen, Ricciardo’s new teenaged team-mate, took his first F1 victory in his first outing with Red Bull.

Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul immediately declared there is a lot more to come from the French power unit.

“We’re on the rise again,” insisted Abiteboul, quickly adding that such improvements take time and urging patience.