RB confirms major upgrade for Spanish GP

RB will introduce an aerodynamic upgrade for the Spanish Grand Prix, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as confirmed by technical director Jody Egginton.

The team announced ahead of the weekend that it will bring updated bodywork, as well as developed floors and rear wings for both cars.

It has been a relatively strong start to the season for RB, with Yuki Tsunoda in fine form - his performances have solidified its grasp on sixth-place in the constructors' standings, having finished last season, its final as AlphaTauri, in eighth position.

The team has already amassed more points just nine rounds into this year than it did throughout 2023 - 28 to 25. That is in spite of the fact the leading five teams have a stronger monopoly on the points-paying positions than last season.

RB has also closed the performance gap to that quintet - Aston Martin, in particular - and news of further upgrades can only be seen as a positive for the team.

"A significant amount of work was put in by Faenza and Bicester to prepare and deliver an aerodynamic update consisting of a floor, bodywork and rear wing for both cars, to provide a measurable performance benefit," Egginton said.

"As a result of having this update, the Friday sessions will be especially busy, in order to gather and process as much data as possible and get ready for Saturday onwards.”

Ricciardo hoping to continue run of form

Whilst Tsunoda has led the team, both in performance and results, Ricciardo has struggled to find consistency - something that has prevented the team from being closer to Aston Martin in the constructors' table. It currently trails by 30 points.

However, after a strong eighth-place in Montreal, the Australian is confident he can keep his run of form going, despite acknowledging how fierce the competition will be in Spain.

“Barcelona is always a track where everyone brings updates, so I think it’s going to be a really competitive weekend. Let’s see what everyone brings," the 34-year-old said.

"I’m excited to drive it with the faster last sector that they changed for last year. I’m looking forward to getting back on that track. Normally, it’s quite familiar but we didn’t do any testing there this year, so should be fun. 

"I’m looking forward to keeping this run going, trying to get some more Q3 appearances and points finishes. I’ve been waiting a while, but I like to think it’s the start of where my season continues to progress and show performances like I did in Montreal."