Red Bull look forward to the Spanish Grand Prix and the start of the European season

(Bernard Asset for Renault Sport F1)

Red GBull Racing head to Spain next weekend for the start of the European leg of the 2014 Formula One season off the back of a strong result at the last race in China which saw Daniel Ricciardo finish in fourth place ahead of team mate Sebastian Vettel who finished the race in fifth place.

Last season, Vettel finished the Spanish Grand Prix in fourth place behind race winner Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa. Vettel's last win at the Circuit De Catalunya in 2011. Speaking ahead of the race Vettel said:

'Formula One returns to Europe with the Spanish GP. A nice side aspect of that is that we are back in the Energy Station, which provides a lot of space for us and the team - it will become a little bit like home over the next few weeks! The Circuit de Catalunya is varied with 180 degree bends, fast, sweeping corners and elevation changes. 

There isn't much opportunity to overtake, so getting a good start position in qualifying will be crucial. The long, fast curves of Montmelo mean that it will suit a car with highly efficient aerodynamics. The track is very challenging on the tyres because of the same very fast corners, so lots of pit stops are likely in the race.'

Daniel Ricciardo will make his European debut for Red Bull at the Spanish Grand Prix and the Australian heads to Barcelona having outperformed Vettel in the last two Grand Prix in Bahrain and China. At last season's race in Spain, Ricciardo finished the race in 10th place to pick up a point for Toro Rosso. This season, the Australian is currently in 6th in the Driver's standings on 24 points just nine behind team mate Sebastian Vettel. Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix Ricciardo said: 

'I've. always enjoyed the Circuit de Catalunya and think it's a great track. It's a 'bit of everything' circuit - which is why it's proved so popular as a testing venue. The first sector is really nice, with the corners all flowing together and the second sector, while a bit more technical, is also really interesting.

The final sector is less good but you can understand why they changed it; I assume the old layout was more exciting. It's a good track to defend on, but one that demands a lot of concentration and the right set-up. The trade-off is that you need fairly low downforce on the long main straight but that compromises the rest of your lap and makes the car difficult to control. Finding the right balance isn't simple.'

Red Bull head to Barcelona hoping to close the gap to Mercedes in the Constructors championship as the Milton Keynes based team are currently 97 points behind the Silver Arrows.

©Ben Johnston 2014