Ricciardo: Pole down to ‘big Australian balls’

10:31 AM ET

Daniel Ricciardo always felt a maiden Formula One pole position was achievable in Monaco and believes it was more down to “big Australian balls” than Renault’s new engine.

Ricciardo has looked confident all weekend in Monaco and topped Thursday’s second practice session by six tenths. It appeared he had dropped off that pace on Saturday until Q3, when he went top with a superb 1:13.622 lap which neither Mercedes driver could beat in the final moments of the session.

Though he has Renault’s upgraded in his Red Bull this weekend Ricciardo thinks pole was me down to his own bravery, something which was especially clear to see through the final sector.

Asked if pole was more down to the new engine or ‘big Australian balls’ he smiled and said: “Big Australian balls!”

He went on to say: “I think I will probably sleep easier tonight. I think the whole week has been a lot of anticipation, a lot of excitement… Monaco has always been a good race …

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