Red Bull braced for tough weekend

The Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Ricciardo were ninth and 13th fastest during second practice at Sochi on Friday, with neither driver able to get within 1.5 seconds of the pace set by Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes.

Ricciardo - whose car broke down in the closing stages of FP2 - told reporters: "We are definitely further off than we expected.

"A win today is out of the question but I think it's probably going to be a bit like Monza - at this stage damage limitation and aiming for a top five.

"I think we are lacking in both areas to be honest [top speed and grip].

"We didn't find a real answer. We have a bit of work ahead of us."

The Australian added that Red Bull is likely to have to focus on making its car competitive in racing conditions so it can pass on track on Sunday.

"We have to try to dial it in," he said. "We are a little bit in limbo at the moment.

"We have to try to hunt for some straightline speed so we can attack in the race, because it doesn't look like we will be on pole - we have to set up for Sunday."

Team-mate Vettel added: "Unfortunately there is no magic. It looks like it will be a tough weekend for us.

"It's a nice track, but maybe not made for us."