Renault Sport F1 – Spanish Grand Prix Report
Podium for Renault-powered Infiniti Red Bull Racing as Daniel Ricciardo finishes third.77
Daniel Ricciardo claimed his first official podium of the year in today’s 66-lap race. Having lost out to Valtteri Bottas at the start, the Australian regained the position in the first round of pit stops and was able to open a comfortable gap over the final two thirds of the race. Sebastian Vettel put in a storming race to fourth after starting 15th, the result of a gearbox penalty imposed after qualifying yesterday. Using an out-of-sync pit stop strategy, the reigning world champion was able to claw his way into the top ten, jumping both Ferraris on track. He finally found a way past Valtteri Bottas in the final two laps of the race to secure fourth position.
Sebastian Vettel charges from 15th on the grid to fourth, posting the fastest lap of the race in the process. Reigning world champion is fourth in the championship.
Daniil Kvyat’s run of points-scoring finishes sadly came to an end today. Starting from the midfield and therefore caught in traffic, the Russian rookie was unable to capitalize on the pace in the car and finished in 14th overall. Starting from 21st on the grid as a result of a post-Chinese GP penalty, Jean-Eric Vergne was in for a rough ride from the start. He progressed through the field into the top 15 but retired on lap 24 with an exhaust problem.
Romain Grosjean scored the first points of the season with eighth place. The Frenchman started from fifth and held position until one third distance when the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen was able to get past. Alonso was also able to overtake just before the midpoint and then Vettel, putting him back into eighth. Pastor Maldonado came home in 15th after serving a five second stop-go penalty for causing a collision at the start.
