Red Bull introduces new short nose

The Milton Keynes-based team has had difficulty getting the short nose concept through tough FIA crash tests.

It originally hoped to run it in pre-season testing, but had to change its plans while it tweaked the design.

Having finally got approval to run the nose, Red Bull trialled it on Daniil Kvyat's car in first practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ricciardo is upbeat about the potential of the new package, which he thinks will deliver more downforce and overcome the balance issues that have hampered the team in early running.

"I don't want to get too excited, but this weekend has the potential to put us back in that fight at least with Williams and get us closer with Ferrari," explained the Australian.

"On paper the aero gains we should make will definitely put us close, but like always it depends what the other guys have done.

"Curing some of the balance issues we have had these updates sound promising. Let's see what happens. I have a positive feeling."

Despite its aerodynamic progress, Red Bull is still facing engine concerns as Ricciardo is already on his fourth and final power unit.

The team is hoping that a focus on reliability will allow the team to get through at least the next two race weekends before deciding on its plans.

Ricciardo added: "We have the fourth this weekend and would like to do here and Monaco, and after Monaco we need to assess the programme.

"Hopefully we can do the next few races, but we have to look short term, here and Monaco is a priority."

He added: "They [Renault] have taken some steps to try to get more mileage out of these engines and postpone our penalty for as long as possible."