- Title: Red Bull seeking further improvement in Suzuka
- Date: 9th October 2019
- Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (OCTOBER 9, 2019) (REUTERS) ***WARNING: CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** RED BULL RACING DRIVER MAX VERSTAPPEN AND ALEXANDER ALBON ARRIVING ON STAGE (SOUNDBITE) (English) RED BULL RACING DRIVER, MAX VERSTAPPEN, SAYING: "Yes, been pretty good, especially the first half I think was very promising. We really, improved the performance throughout the first half. And of course, it was very nice to get those two victories. I think especially the first one was an emotional one." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (English) RED BULL RACING DRIVER, MAX VERSTAPPEN, SAYING: "We are looking really good, really strong, getting better, I think the second half so far. Yeah, we had a podium (in Singapore). But again, we have still room to improve and we know that we have to improve as well if we need to challenge for more wins and potentially championship. So, we keep working hard to try and achieve that." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (English) RED BULL RACING DRIVER, ALEXANDER ALBON, SAYING: "The first four races now have been pretty good. Of course, you always want more. But I am happy with how excited, of course I want a bit more coming to the end of the season. But no, I think so far so good." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (English) RED BULL RACING DRIVER, MAX VERSTAPPEN, SAYING: "I don't know yet. I'm not really concerned about the corner. Let's see first how the weather is going to play out. That what I'm concerned about." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (English) RED BULL RACING DRIVER, MAX VERSTAPPEN, SAYING: "I always want to have a good result of course but, that's no different here. I'm just looking forward to the weekend where hopefully lot of fans will be supporting us and hopefully will give us that final extra push to have a good result." LOGO ON STAGE READING (English) "ASTON MARTIN RED BULL RACING" (SOUNDBITE) (English) RED BULL RACING DRIVER, ALEXANDER ALBON, SAYING: "Very excited. I'm more excited just purely for the track itself and fans and everything like that. Being with Red Bull of course, if I was with Toro Rosso it's also a home race so, it's still a home race. But no, it’s exciting and I think our car will suit this track." VARIOUS OF VERSTAPPEN AND ALBON STANDING ON STAGE AND POSING FOR PHOTOS VERSTAPPEN AND ALBON LEAVING STAGE
- Embargoed: 23rd October 2019 12:19
- Keywords: Red Bull Racing Alexander Albon Max Verstappen Tokyo Japan Suzuka Japanese Grand Prix
- Location: TOKYO, JAPAN
- City: TOKYO, JAPAN
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Motor Racing,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001B0DIZB3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Red Bull's Max Verstappen said on Wednesday (October 9) the team has plenty of room for improvement as they seek to rediscover their mid-season form heading into the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
Since Verstappen picked up two wins in three races at the Austrian and German Grand Prix, Red Bull has failed to pick up a victory and the Dutchman has appeared on the podium twice.
Verstappen is currently fourth in the drivers' standings and Red Bull are third in the constructor rankings arriving in Japan.
With five races remaining, the team's bid for a first title since 2013 looks out of the question. But Verstappen is adamant that they are going in the right direction.
"We are looking really good, really strong, getting better," he told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday. "Yes, we had a podium (in Singapore), but again we have still room to improve and we know that we have to improve as well if we need to challenge for more wins and potentially championship. So, we keep working hard to try and achieve that."
Since the Belgian Grand Prix in September, Verstappen has been partnered by 23-year-old Alexander Albon, promoted from Toro Rosso. Red Bull have said they are using the rest of the season to assess the Thai-British rookie's credentials for next season.
So far, he has finished in the top six in four races but wants to clinch a podium spot before season's end."
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