Ricciardo ready to 'put it all on the line'

With the wet weather helping lessen the impact of the horsepower deficit Red Bull faces, Ricciardo was fastest in Q1 and third overall in Q2 before qualifying was abandoned.

Well aware of the opportunity he now has, Ricciardo says that the risks he took to deliver his times in qualifying will be adopted for the race.

"In these conditions, there is always a fine line but you are better off being on the more side of risks and taking risks," said the Australian.

"If you don't drive in these conditions with confidence, you don't get far. As soon as a bit more aquaplaning or rain scares you, then everyone will drop in front.

"You need to drive in conditions with confidence and a bit of aggression. Sure it can bite you, but it is a risk you need to take.

"For us as a team and me as a driver, we are not fighting for a championship at the moment, and these are conditions that suit us.

"It is an opportunity in the race. To put it all on the line makes sense."

Rain a boost

Ricciardo was not shy to admit that the wet weather had been a boost to Red Bull's hopes, as it emerged as Mercedes' main threat.

"I think for us it helps us as a team, because we have with the chassis a good level of downforce. And the more rain, the less grip there is, so more downforce helps.

"The good cars might stand out a bit more in the dry, but in the wet if a driver is willing to take risks, and if it pays off, he can make a bigger difference.

"In the dry, there is one sort of technique and if you do things a bit differently, that is where it makes it more fun."