Daniel Ricciardo continues to strive for a Toro Rosso race seat next year, but admits that a contract is by no means in place as a four-way shootout develops between himself, Jaime Alguersuari, Sébastien Buemi and Jean-Éric Vergne.
This weekend will mark Australian Ricciardo’s tenth Formula 1 race, having been loaned to HRT by Red Bull from the British Grand Prix onwards. Initial impressions for the 2009 British Formula 3 Champion have been strong, as the 22-year-old has out-qualified more experienced team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi on four occasions.
“I can’t believe it’s going to be my tenth race this weekend, it’s gone crazily fast – it’s ridiculous, how quick it’s gone,” Ricciardo told GPUpdate.net. “You look at the guys who have done more than 100 races, but it’s quite easy to get to that number with the long seasons nowadays. I guess the other guys in the paddock know my face now, so I’m not getting harassed as much as I was at Silverstone!”
Toro Rosso’s 2012 driver line-up has been a key talking point all season, with Ricciardo still favourite to seal one spot but current drivers Alguersuari and Buemi having impressed many over the course of the year. Frenchman Vergne is also in the running and will enjoy three full days of testing for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi next week.
“I would love to be in that seat – I think that would be a realistic and good step forward for my career, but there are a few of us trying to get in and I’m really not sure what will happen,” Ricciardo admits. “If I’m not there, then I guess the next objective is to be at least somewhere on the grid to keep myself in and give myself another chance in a year’s time.
“It’s going to be a tough one and the boys there have produced some solid results over the last few races, so that is probably making Dr. (Helmut) Marko’s job even more difficult (as Red Bull team advisor and head of its young driver scheme). It is up to him to decided what he is going to do with us and I will keep pushing for it. He is the one making the decisions, at least for us younger kids.”
Ricciardo stresses that he would prefer any F1 race seat over a reserve driver deal, but reiterates that he is striving to reach the top of the Red Bull chain.
“It is definitely a realistic target and I think that is what Dr. Marko wants for us,” the Perth driver continues. “Obviously, (Sebastian) Vettel has been a prime example for all of us, not only for the Red Bull guys but all of the young driver programmes. He has done it perfectly and I think Dr. Marko is looking for another one of us to do that.
“So I am hoping my results will speak to get a chance, whether that will be for next year or the year after. Ultimately, I guess one day I will get the chance to do what Seb’s done and win the World Championship with Red Bull – that is everyone’s real goal.”
Ricciardo will fly from England to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and, following the conclusion of the 2011 season in Brazil, has plans for a trip home to Australia in approximately one month’s time.
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