Ricciardo delighted at qualifying for F1 China GP

SHANGHAI (AFP) –

Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia sits in his car during the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16, 2013. Ricciardo struggled to contain his delight after qualifying in seventh for the Chinese Grand Prix, the first time in nearly a year that he has been in the top 10.

Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo struggled to contain his delight on Saturday after qualifying in seventh for the Chinese Grand Prix, the first time in nearly a year that he has been in the top 10.

The Australian was the surprise package of qualifying in Shanghai and he will start Sunday’s race in the unusual position of seeing world champion Sebastian Vettel in his rear-view mirrors. Vettel was back in ninth.

“It’s the first time since Bahrain (in April) last year that I’ve made it to the top 10, so that’s nearly a whole year,” said the 23-year-old.

“I am definitely looking forward to having a strong race tomorrow and will give it all I’ve got to make the most of this seventh place on the grid.

“I think it will be an exciting race and today, you could see that most of us waited until the last moments in Q3 to go out, with everyone thinking about saving tyres for tomorrow, as the options were having a hard time on a long run on Friday.

“This result will boost everyone’s spirits, and mine as well and I really can’t wait for the lights to go out tomorrow. The guys have been working so hard back at the factory and they’ve made the car quicker, so well done to everyone.”

Lewis Hamilton stormed to his maiden pole position for Mercedes.