Daniel Ricciardo Predicts a Repeat of Canada 2011 for the Turkish Grand Prix

The much anticipated Turkish Grand Prix is finally here and fans couldn’t be any more happier, especially after witnessing some crazy drama during qualifying. However, if Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo is to be believed, then we are in for an absolute belter of a race tomorrow.

The exciting nature of the track aside, free practice and qualifying was made a whole lot tricker due to two main reasons.

Firstly, the track was recently laid out which means there was incredibly low grip. Secondly, the wet conditions along with the harder compound of tires made the Istanbul Park circuit look like a skating rink.

After negotiating the very tricky qualifying session, where the Australian finished P5, he thinks were similar conditions to prevail tomorrow, the race could turn wild, like a certain Grand Prix 9 years ago.

He said, “I was a spectator in Montreal 2011. I think that long race with all the stops and the rain, and I was glad I was a spectator for that.

“They are normally the good ones to watch. Tomorrow could be the same. I’m in the driver’s seat, but for everyone watching, I think it’ll be a good one.”

The Canadian Grand Prix of 2011 was certainly a crazy yet memorable race. It was held under pretty extreme weather conditions and was a race marred by several accidents, spin-outs and safety cars.

There was even a red flag for good measure. Eventually, Jenson Button beat polesitter Sebastian Vettel to take home the checkered flag.

Daniel Ricciardo explains just how tough qualifying was today

Ricciardo said, “It’s taken a few days out of our lives, bud. It was so stressful. For the viewers, they win, but for us drivers it’s tricky.

“When you see drivers lose the car in 6th gear on the straight, it’s like we’re passengers. So a lot of the time we were just, eyes wide open, holding on, hoping that it keeps going straight.”

The race will definitely be a stern test of the drivers’ skill. But boy, does it seem to promise so much excitement for us fans as Ricciardo mentioned. Here’s to hoping we get a brilliant, drama-filled, yet safe race in Turkey.