British F3 champion Daniel Ricciardo is all set to fulfil his lifelong ambition when he steps behind the wheel of a Formula One car at the test circuit in Jerez, Spain this week.
The Red Bull Junior driver has fond memories of the Jerez track, as it’s where he claimed the British F3 title at the first attempt and the young Australian can’t wait to start testing for the Red Bull Racing team that finished second in the 2009 Formula One Constructors Championship.
"I'm going to have as much fun as I can," Ricciardo said. "I'm not going to feel under any serious pressure, but at the same time I hope I can go fast. It's been a dream of mine since I was a boy to drive an F1 car and I can't quite believe I'm going to fulfil it. For it to be with the strongest-finishing team of the F1 season makes it even more special."
During the week prior to the test, Daniel spent his time in Milton Keynes at the Red Bull factory, where he tried out the simulator and was fitted out for the car under the watchful eye of fellow countryman Mark Webber, who was clearly impressed with what he saw.
'I'm going to have as much fun as I can' – Daniel Ricciardo
"He is a great young bloke. He has done very well,” Webber said. “He is in Red Bull's junior driver development squad and I’ve heard good things from the people who have worked with him.
“I have spoken to him a few times and it is great that he is doing an F1 test. He will get a bit of mileage."
Under strict new conditions aimed at limiting costs, regular F1 drivers are not permitted to test until February, which gives Ricciardo a great chance of impressing the Red Bull F1 team in the interim period and it appears he has already caught the eye of Motorsport Director, Dr Helmut Marko.
"We will see if he [Ricciardo] can make it to F1 after the test," Dr Marko said. “We will take things step by step."
Ricciardo is under contract to drive in Europe in the Formula Renault 3.5 series in 2010, which has in the past proved to be a stepping stone to F1 for the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. Daniel will doubtless be hoping that history repeats itself after his first taste of F1 in Jerez.
Follow all the developments at Red Bull Racing.
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