Ricciardo optimistic for Ferrari race

Daniel Ricciardo believes he can take the fight to Ferrari in tomorrow’s Chinese Grand Prix after his stellar qualifying effort.

The Red Bull driver starts second tomorrow, alongside pole sitter Nico Rosberg and ahead of Ferrari drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

Many expect Ferrari to get past quickly, but Ricciardo thinks his pace is genuine and they could pose a serious challenge to the Italian team in the race.

"Today is encouraging. If we can have this on one lap then in the race we should still be pretty competitive," said Ricciardo.

"We're normally better off in the race.

"Hopefully we've a race with Ferrari. Nico [Rosberg] starting on the softs should be in good shape, so if we can battle for the podium that would be awesome."

Ricciardo finished over half a second behind Rosberg, who is expected to dominate the race.

Lewis Hamilton will start at the back after an engine issue.

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