Ricciardo on top as Red Bulls leave Mercedes gasping

monte carlo - Australian clocked a best lap time around the Mediterranean street circuit in Monaco GP

A determined Daniel Ricciardo flew to the fastest time in Thursday's action-packed second free practice for Sunday's 74th running of the classic Monaco Grand Prix as a revived Red Bull left Mercedes gasping in pursuit.
The Australian clocked a best lap time around the Mediterranean street circuit in one minute and 14.607 seconds to finish more than six-tenths of a second faster than defending three-time champion Lewis Hamilton and nearly nine-tenths clear of championship leader Nico Rosberg.
To endorse Red Bull's revival, Ricciardo's team-mate record-breaking teenager Max Verstappen was fourth-fastest just behind Rosberg, the Dutchman in a car that did not have the same updated Renault engine used by the Australian.
"I always enjoy myself here," said a beaming Ricciardo. "Obviously, the engine helps a little bit, but we have got a good car round here too - so it's a bit of both.
"I've got good confidence in the car so that's the most important thing around here... Let's see how we go in qualifying. Today, I'm happy....
"It's certainly one where you can find a little bit more if you're willing to push it on the limit. I've always enjoyed it here.
"If the track doesn't change much before Saturday, I'm confident. Winning is definitely my aim and, basically, I feel it's my time - and this is the best track to do that."
Russian Daniil Kvyat, the man replaced at Red Bull by the 18-year-old Dutchman, was fifth for Toro Rosso ahead of his team-mate Spaniard Carlos Sainz and seventh-placed Finn Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari.
Mexican Sergio Perez was eighth for Force India ahead of four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and 2009 champion Briton Jenson Button of McLaren Honda.