Australian to run upgraded Renault engine in Brazil ahead of decision regarding next season; Red Bull appear to be closer to running unbranded or rebadged Renaults in 2016
Thursday 12 November 2015 16:50, UK
Daniel Ricciardo says Red Bull hope to gain some "clarity" on the direction they will take in 2016 when Renault introduce its upgraded engine at the Brazilian GP.
The Australian will run the upgrades, which have accounted for 11 development 'tokens', at Interlagos and in Abu Dhabi, where he thinks a podium finish might be possible.
With a 10-place grid penalty, Ricciardo is not expecting quite as much this weekend. But as eyes are inevitably cast towards next season and with the question of Red Bull's very involvement in F1 still unanswered, Ricciardo believes any improvement could yet influence the decision.
"For all of us as well as Red Bull, we want to know," Ricciardo said. "We're still undecided on what we're going to do next year, so if we do see something positive from this weekend and something we could maybe take forward as well for next year then it'll give us some clarity on where we want to go.
"Two races left, we're not fighting for a whole lot. It's not a circuit where we're expecting to be on the podium, so in a way there's nothing really to lose from trying it."
Of course, owner Dietrich Mateschitz could yet decide to pull out of F1. That looks unlikely, though, with Red Bull instead looking set to continue running Renault engines, even though they have continuously criticised the French manufacturer and sought to free themselves from their contract one year early.
As a compromise, however, it seems that either unbadged or rebranded Renault engines will be used, with Red Bull able to undertake their own development programme. It's thought an announcement will be made - at the latest - by the time of the Abu Dhabi GP.
Discussing Renault's own developments, Ricciardo said: "I'm not getting my hopes up. Renault said it's not going to give me a whole lot of lap time, between a tenth and two.
"I'm curious to know more the driveability and if there's something from it: whether it picks up the throttle cleaner. If there's something here that can be positive then maybe that helps tyre wear or things during the race."
But Ricciardo is more optimistic about the upcoming Abu Dhabi GP on a track - the Yas Marina circuit - where Red Bull have tended to run well in the past.
"We always wanted to try this new spec. engine at some point and this one makes sense more than Abu Dhabi. With two races to go, there's not really much to lose, only something to gain from learning," Ricciardo added.
"Last year, we had pretty good pace there; we started from the pitlane and finished fourth. Ferrari and Williams have found a bit more pace this year, but we should be close."
Watch the Brazilian GP live on Sky Sports F1. Race-show coverage begins at 2.30pm on Sunday with lights out at 4pm. Watch all three days of the Brazilian GP for £10.99 on NOW TV. No contract.
