Daniel Ricciardo put in a brilliant lap to be the fourth fastest in the Formula 1 sprint classification in Miami.
The RB driver was faster than Mercedes, McLarens and one of the Ferraris on Saturday morning, AEST, easily beating his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who was 15th.
World champion Max Verstappen qualified on pole for the sprint race to be held on Sunday morning, AEST.
Sprint qualifying continued with a series of strong performances from Ricciardo, who was consistently faster than Tsunoda in China and was in the top 10 during the grand prix before being hit from behind by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.
“I’ve been able to do it before, I know it’s in me,” he told Sky Sports.
“Did I expect to start in the second row? It probably won’t be as good.
“Obviously, I’m very proud of what I did today, but also the team has been providing updates in the last few races… things definitely seem to be improving.”
Former world champion Jenson Button said the result, along with his improvement in China, will help Ricciardo in his quest for a new contract for 2025.
“It was a great performance and it will boost your confidence in yourself and the car you drive,” Button said on Sky Sports.
Sunday morning’s spring race will be followed by qualifying for the grand prix, which will be held on Monday morning AEST.
Aware