Ricciardo’s performance was “much better” in China

In the round-up: Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko was encouraged by Daniel Ricciardo’s performance in his first race weekend since changing chassis.

In brief

Marko praises Ricciardo’s Shanghai drive

Ricciardo failed to score his first points of the season in China last week after being taken out by Lance Stroll. But Marko was encouraged by his performance up to that point.

“Daniel Ricciardo had a new chassis available in China and the whole thing was planned from the start because it is our third chassis that we wanted to bring to the track,” Marko told Speed Week. “But of course this change also played into psychology after Daniel’s disappointing performances on the previous weekends.

“Things went much better for Ricciardo in China. I find it unbelievable that Lance Stroll called him an ‘idiot after’ the chequered flag fell. And that he also had to receive a penalty for Miami. This really wasn’t his weekend.”

Marti leads F2 test

Pepe Marti headed the second day of Formula 2’s test at the Circuit de Catalunya with a best time of 1’23.681, almost a second and a half faster than Gabriele Bortoleto managed in yesterday’s rain-affected running.

The three-day test concludes today.

Four two-driver entries at Spa

Peugeot will slim down to a two-driver squad for both its cars at the Six Hours of Spa as Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne have a clashing commitment in the Formula E double-header in Berlin.

Two other teams have also confirmed two-driver line-ups. Sebastien Buemi will be absent again at Cadillac as he is Racing in IMSA again at LagunaSeca, while Jota Porsche will be without Norman Nato who is also Racing in Formula E.

Garcia handed FE test chance

Formula 1 Academy champion Marta Garcia will take part in the Formula E rookie test for ERT at the Berlin round.

“Marta’s exceptional talent and achievements in F1 Academy are undeniable,” said team principal Alex Hui. “This test serves as a fantastic platform to showcase her skills within the dynamic environment of Formula E. We are confident that Marta will quickly adapt to the unique demands of electric Racing and provide valuable insights for the team.”

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Links

Motor Racing links of interest:

Horner accuser quizzed by investigators over ‘sexting scandal’ after launching appeal against Red Bull probe (The Sun)

‘The unnamed woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s UK headquarters, has challenged the independent report into her claims. The new KC-led internal probe is expected to last until mid-May, sources said.’

McLaren leads pack of F1 teams hunting major Mastercard deal (Sport Business)

‘MasterCard is preparing for a sponsorship showdown at the Miami F1 Grand Prix, with four top teams in the hunt for a huge cash injection from the payment services giant.’

After flipping his car, F1’s Webber called Stewart (The Age)

‘The night of that crash, I spoke to Sir Jackie on the phone, thanking him for what he did. I never did end up Racing for him but, in many ways, he’s been like another grandfather to me, giving me advice during my career.’

Alpine uncertain on Habsburg’s Spa status (Sportscar 365)

‘Alpine is currently not yet sure if Habsburg will be able to rejoin the team for the six-hour race on May 11.’

First Vietnamese to race at Formula 3 (level) (VN Express)

‘I’m also looking forward to progressing from the F4 Indian Championship, which has done a lot to support drivers like myself on the FIA Global Pathway.’

Hitech have ‘taken a step forward’ in Barcelona testing says Stenshorne (Formula 3)

‘I think I learned a lot, that’s a positive, and I think we improved; I think we brought the car towards my driving style a bit which is positive, and I think we took a step forward.’

Racing“>The Euroformula ready to take the track for another season of exciting Racing (Euroformula Open)

Nine drivers have been named on the entry list for the first round of the new Euroformula Open season.

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