"Realistic" Ricciardo aims for top six in Belgian GP qualifying

Daniel Ricciardo has set a "realistic" target of qualifying inside the top six for the Belgian Grand Prix after a hydraulic problem cut short his Friday running.

Ricciardo set the second-fastest time of the session at Spa-Francorchamps, finishing just 0.048 seconds behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen before coming to a halt on the Kemmel Straight whilst on his long run.

Ricciardo explained: "Obviously, on a Friday, as soon as you get a bit of a sign or a warning you’re just like ‘let's park her up’. I’m sure they will get on top of it and top two would be pretty nice tomorrow."

The Australian has shown strong Friday pace at both Silverstone and Barcelona but has struggled in Saturday and Sunday sessions.

He added: “Let’s still be realistic. Let’s aim for the top six or something. That’s still going to be a great result for us in quali. I’m not sure we can hold P2 but I think we’re still going to be in a good position tomorrow."

Team principal Cyril Abiteboul confirmed the hydraulic issue at least did not cause any damage to the gearbox or engine.

"Obviously, there is the disappointment of the long run that was cut short because of the hydraulic problem," he told Sky Sports F1.

"But as far as I understand there is no damage to the gearbox, which is new, or to the engine which is what matters."

Suggesting it will be an easy fix, he added: "We are waiting for the car to be pulled back but it should be.

"The car was going to stop when you are losing the hydraulic pressure. It is going to stop somewhere anyway."

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