Ricciardo ready to ride for Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo, pilot of the Red Bull Junior Team, is following a dazzling trajectory. Champion of F3 British last year, the Australian almost won the Formula title Renault 3.5 Series this season, having lost to Mikhail Aleshin in the last race. Summoned, as in 2009, to the tests for young drivers at the end of the season, Ricciardo impressed, as he often does. From now on, he wants to go even higher, even if his destiny is not completely in his hands.

« At the moment I can't say anything, he explains to F1.com, regarding the 2011 season. Of course, my goal is to move into F1 as quickly as possible. Dr Helmut Marko (advisor to Dietrich Mateschitz and who manages the Red Bull Junior Team drivers) just briefed me on my two days of testing. I'm waiting but everything is fine. I think I had a good season in the FR 3.5 Series and had two good days of testing so, for my part, I did everything I had to do. The ball is in Helmut's court. I can only wait and hope that he finds me a place for 2011. »

The one who has Ayrton Senna as his hero and Mark Webber, his compatriot, as an example, confides that the success of Sebastian Vettel gives him ideas. “ He is also a kind of example for me. First of all, we're roughly the same age. I often walked the track with him. I used to hang out with him, and now he's World Champion! He is totally natural and has a great sense of humor. He has his feet on the ground and, of course, he is very fast. »

If he does not (yet) think of leaving a mark in the Formula 1 record books, Daniel Ricciardo recognizes that Sebastian Vettel's title, and the age at which he achieved it, gives him renewed motivation. “ Certainly, but I'm not thinking about breaking records. Seb represents a new generation of drivers and I am part of it. This is a good thing. »

FR 3.5 Series runner-up and two-time participant in the F1 tests for young drivers at the end of the season, Daniel Ricciardo now hopes to be able to drive in Formula 1 for good. And, from the Red Bull Junior Team, he feels ready to take on the challenge. challenge not to go through Toro Rosso and gain direct access to the first team, Red Bull Racing. “ It would be a damn huge challenge but, with the intense preparation Red Bull is giving me, it shouldn't be a problem. »