Australian Formula 1 great Mark Webber believes countryman Daniel Ricciardo can break new ground at Renault and record a race victory in the 2019 season, but will need a substantial dollop of good fortune to do so.
The 29-year-old Australian made a high-profile switch from Red Bull to Renault in the off-season, a move very much seen as one for the future.
Renault have not produced a podium finish since Nick Heidfeld achieved the feat at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix but are expected to big improvers in the coming years.
Asked if Ricciardo could win a race for Renault – who finished fourth in the 2018 constructors’ championship – in 2019, Webber told Australian Financial Review, "He'd need some stars lining up, but it can happen."
"He's not ballistically quick over one lap but when it comes to racing … if anyone can pull something out of that Renault on Sunday it's him."
Webber was more bullish about Ricciardo’s impact at Renault, confident that the popular Australian would improve the fortunes of the Anglo-French team.
“It’s going to be a long campaign to get them competitive,” Webber added. “[But] he’ll lift that team – there’s no doubt about it.”
As for the pecking order at the top ahead of the season opener next weekend, Webber said, "There's a lot of shadow-boxing going on."
All 20 drivers will be at the official Formula 1 Season Launch at Federation Square in Melbourne on Wednesday 13 March from 3:30 pm, ahead of Thursday at Albert Park when the weekend kicks off with the driver portraits photo shoot and the first drivers' press conference of the season
FP1 and FP2 take place on Friday, 15 March, followed by FP3 and Qualifying on Saturday and Round 1 of the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship takes place a day later at the city park venue.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/10/12/webber-renault-move-has-to-work-for-ricciardo/
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