Monaco GP: No rest for Mercedes after Red Bull surprise in practice

"We expected them to be there or thereabouts, but not that quick," admits Rosberg after Ricciardo laps half a second faster on Thursday

Last Updated: 28/05/16 11:12am

Mercedes admit they will be working overtime on Monaco's 'rest day' in a bid to catch Red Bull after being caught by surprise by Daniel Ricciardo's blistering pace in Thursday practice.

Ricciardo, buoyed by the introduction of Renault's new engine and reenergised by the appointment of Max Verstappen, topped the timesheets by over half a second from Lewis Hamilton with Nico Rosberg a further three tenths adrift.
While Hamilton welcomed the prospect of a "close" fight, Rosberg admitted that Red Bull's speed had "surprised" the world champions.