Daniel Ricciardo has endured a tough return from Formula 1’s summer break after an engine problem curtailed his running in Practice 1 for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix before chasing set-up issues in Practice 2.

The Australian was sixth fastest across the day’s two sessions, banking a total of 35 laps.

He managed just four laps in the first 90-minute session, completing an installation lap before sitting out the bulk of the running.

It left he and the team playing catch up in the second session, with Ricciardo ending the day still chasing set-up heading into Saturday.

“We learned a few things,” Ricciardo said.

“We had some time to still make some changes through that second session. We still got some things to improve.

“It felt like with the changes today we kind of cured one thing but then created another problem. So it was one of those days we didn’t really find the sweet spot.”

“Obviously we missed some laps this morning but maybe they wanted to give me more of a summer break but I was ready to go, so hopefully tomorrow runs a bit smoother.”

Ricciardo also revealed he spent time with the team on Thursday in an effort to rebuild morale at what will be the first round since announcing his plans to join Renault next season.

“I had a good bit of team time yesterday and spoke to everyone and everyone is cool,” he said.

“Everyone respects the decision and I think more than anything everyone’s ready to kick on and finish the year strong.”