Ricciardo excited by F1 engine upgrade

Daniel Ricciardo has given a thumbs-up to Renault's upgraded engine and hopes to get it in his car for next week's Monaco Grand Prix.

The Australian Formula One driver tested the new power unit for the first time in Barcelona on Monday, completing 89 laps and finishing sixth on day one of the in-season test.

Ricciardo said he found an improvement and Red Bull were happy with how it was looking.

"It was all pretty reliable and everything ran as smooth as it could I think," he said.

"The progress is definitely there.

"Now to make that next step, that is the last little step we are after to try to really get on Mercedes. But we are getting closer and that is obviously exciting."

Red Bull had planned to take the upgraded engine to the Canadian Grand Prix in June, but now hope to bring it in one race earlier - if Renault agrees.

Ricciardo reckons Monaco will be his "best chance yet" to secure a win, having just missed out on a podium at the weekend's Spanish GP behind winner and new teammate Max Verstappen.

"We had a good chance at the weekend - but for pure speed, Monaco should be interesting," he added.

"We will try to take what we can (for Monaco), but we will see.

"If we can get it, we'd love it, but it is going to be a matter of time for now."