Daniel Ricciardo is quickly climbing back into Formula Renault 3.5 championship contention after winning in Monaco for the second consecutive year.
The 21-year-old now sits fifth in the points standings after four rounds – despite missing the opening event due to a clash with his Toro Rosso Formula One practice duties.
Ricciardo held off Canadian Robert Wickens on two Safety Car restarts to lead from start-to-finish in Monaco, recording his second win in two weeks.
“I think the second time here made it a little bit more relaxed,” said Ricciardo after the race.
“The race seemed to go quite quickly, whereas last year it went on forever.
“I wasn’t too concerned about the safety cars. Robert had good speed after the restarts but I think I was faster on the longer runs.
“It’s been a perfect weekend for me. To have the opportunity in the F1 car on Thursday was amazing.
“To finish the weekend off with a win is just incredible. It will be a weekend that’s stays with me for a long time!”
New Zealand’s Brendon Hartley finished third after losing second place to Wickens off the start, while Albert Costa crossed the line fourth, but was later demoted to ninth thanks to a 10 second penalty for a jump-start.
Championship leader Jean-Eric Vergne was one of seven drivers handed 10s penalties for cutting the Sainte Devote chicane on the opening lap.
With Vergne eventually classified 12th, the Carlin driver now leads the standings with 90 points – 16 ahead of nearest challenger Alexander Rossi, and 29 clear of fifth placed Ricciardo.
The championship continues at the Nurburgring on June 18-19.
