1980 world champion Alan Jones believes countryman Daniel Ricciardo's drive to victory in Monaco was up there with the all-time greats.

The Australian, contested the Monaco Grand Prix eight times, with a privately entered Hesketh, then with Surtees, Shadow, Williams and Haas, but only twice saw the chequered flag, his best result coming in 1981 when he finished second.

The Australian, who had won the title a year earlier with Williams, was famed for his no-nonsense, arms out approach to racing, and along with F1 also enjoyed success in Touring Cars and Sports Cars.

Watching his countryman dominate the Monaco weekend, setting the pace in all three practice sessions, taking pole with the fastest lap ever witnessed at the legendary venue and subsequently winning the race in a car down 25% on power due to an MGU-K failure, Jones claims Ricciardo's performance ranks alongside those of the sport's greats.

"I thought it was an exemplary drive," he told Speedcafe, "it was fantastic. The bloke dominated the whole proceedings from go to whoa.

"Even when it looked like he was in trouble with the power plant, he was able to hold on," Jones continues. "That was a great drive, that will go down as one of the great drives of Monaco.

"The thing is it's hard enough circulating Monaco, inches away from the Armco without having to manage the mechanical mishaps of your car and put up with a driver crawling up your backside for majority of the race.

"If I was Daniel I'd be extremely proud of that drive," he admitted, "that's something he will remember for the rest of his life. Monaco is probably the most prestigious Formula 1 race and he's done it. That alone and the way which he did it was fantastic."

While putting Ricciardo third in the driver standings, his 'keep calm and carry on' performance during the race, despite knowing his car might not last the distance, comes at a time the Australian has yet to confirm where he will be next season.

Though linked with both Mercedes and Ferrari, he insists that he has not talked with either team, while it is understood Red Bull's engine plans will play a significant role in whether he remains with the Austrian team.

"I think his timing is absolutely perfect," says Jones. "He couldn't have done it at a better time, it will certainly add another nought to his Red Bull contract if nothing else.

"I think both Ferrari and Mercedes will be looking at him," he added, "they'd probably be the only teams he'd sort of get out of Red Bull to go to.

"I've said all along that Red Bull has got the best chassis mechanically, the mechanical grip of that car is fantastic. The only thing Daniel could possibly wish for now is to put a Merc in the back of it or a Ferrari engine and the likelihood of that is not going to happen.

"I've said all along I'd love to see Daniel in a Ferrari because of his heritage," he added, "I think he's just a good Ferrari type driver."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 31/05/2018 13:28

"Its looking more likely he is going to have to stay at Red Bull, Vettel appears to have a veto on team mates in his contract and would not be suprised if Hamilton did not have the same."

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2. Posted by Hondaunearthed, 29/05/2018 22:04

"@TedS
Agree with you completely, the only thing I would be concerned about is the minute Dan has a bad drive all this good will be forgotten immediately. Even over this wknd Dan was the man however the golden boy was still receiving praise just take a look at Horner post quali statement on there press release. I would just be very careful if I were Dan because I think the tide would easily turn against him.

Oh that and if they go to Honda I’d be saying, goodbye."

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3. Posted by TedS, 29/05/2018 14:09

"I think Danny Ric has a handle on young Max. If RBR can get a winning car, he'll stay put. No need to go against Seb or Hammie in their teams at this time. RBR is his team now, he keeps turning in solid performances when his teammate throws things away."

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Ricciardo's Monaco drive up there with the greats says Alan Jones

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