F1: Ricciardo doubts four- to five-second gain

Daniel Ricciardo doubts the 2017 regulations will be able to deliver Formula 1 cars that are as much as five seconds faster than their predecessors.

New aerodynamic regulations will come into effect this year designed to increase cornering speeds and lower lap times, with additional grip coming from wider tires. Ricciardo was one of the drivers to test the new Pirellis in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year and says he could feel a difference compared to the current tires but is not convinced the target lap time improvement will be achieved.

"It's [the 2015] car and the team bolt on some bits to add a bit more downforce to it." Ricciardo said. "The tires felt a bit stronger, the rear mainly you can push a bit harder on traction. But we're still running the cars quite heavy and I don't think it's quite that representative to what we've got [in 2017].

"I think they will be a step quicker, but we'll see. People talk about four seconds a lap quicker or five seconds a lap quicker. I'm not yet convinced it will be that much quicker but I'm sure it will at least be a couple. But four or five would be impressive if we get there."

Mercedes has been the team to beat throughout the V6 era so far, winning 51 out of 59 races over the last three years. The new regulations provide an opportunity for all teams, but play to one of Red Bull's strengths in aerodynamic performance. Ricciardo agrees with team principal Christian Horner that Mercedes is the favorite ahead of the new season but is hopeful Red Bull will close the gap at the front of the field.

"There's only one of them now, so that's a bit easier!" Ricciardo joked, referencing the vacant seat yet to be filled by Nico Rosberg's retirement. "It will be interesting to see the other seat... but I'm confident. Obviously right now Mercedes has the best car; I would say I'm confident we're at least the next ones behind them so we'll see what we can do in the winter and try and close the gap. I'm sure on day one at testing they'll still be the favorites to be the quickest guys but I think we can close it up and hopefully enough to challenge."