With Christian Horner having confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo is on a very short list of candidates for outgoing Red Bull driver Mark Webber’s racing seat, all eyes were on the young Australian as he tested in the RB9 at the Young Driver Test at Silverstone.
After what was probably the most important test session of his Formula One career, Daniel Ricciardo spoke to the FOM.
Q: Daniel, you spent the afternoon driving the world championship-leading car. How was it?
Daniel Ricciardo: It was good fun. It was a busy day so at the moment it’s a bit of a blur having jumped out of one car and into another. I did quite a few laps and I was happy with how it went. I had a small off earlier but it was a pretty trouble-free day.
Q: What caused the off?
Daniel Ricciardo: It was my mistake – I just lost the rear on the entry to the corner. I was probably pushing a little too hard. The gravel was a bit like quicksand – I thought I’d get out but I couldn’t. I could see the guys weren’t very busy in the garage so I thought I’d give them a job to do to clean the car! (laughs) No, it was just a small error.
Q: What are the differences between the RB9 and the Toro Rosso STR8?
Daniel Ricciardo: Umm, to the media I’m not very descriptive! (laughs). I’ll keep it blunt – it was a good opportunity to get the drive and to get the half day and to have a look what it is like. There are some differences (between the two cars) – I can’t really say what, but it was good to get the comparison for myself.
Q: Did you take your chance today?
Daniel Ricciardo: Yeah, I think I drove to my ability and did what I could. It was a bit tricky with the circumstances – we weren’t really allowed to adjust the car. Ideally you’d like to make some mechanical changes and set the car up for the conditions, but it’ll be the same for the other guys. It was a good opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience two different beasts.
Q: Christian Horner wanted to see how quick you’d go in the Red Bull. He reportedly thinks it is down to you and Kimi Raikkonen for the seat next year. Are you feeling any pressure yet?
Daniel Ricciardo: No. It’s fun, it’s exciting. You know, whatever happens, happens. It was nice to get a few laps in the car – obviously testing is pretty limited, so to get that opportunity and to see what it was like, if I don’t get a chance further down the track, that was a nice little bonus. I’ll watch Seb’s (Vettel’s) times tomorrow (Friday) and hope he doesn’t put me to shame. (laughs).
Q: So if it is down to you and Kimi for the drive, what turns the decision in your favour?
Daniel Ricciardo: I don’t know. It’s not my decision. I’ve still got the season ahead with Toro Rosso. The last few races have been better so I have to keep continuing like that. I think this test is something for Red Bull to look at, but there is still the rest of the season which I’m sure they’ll observe. So I won’t get too caught up in today and now I’ll switch my focus back to Toro Rosso.
Q: What’s your overall feeling at the end of the day?
Daniel Ricciardo: I feel good. As I say, it’s still a bit of a blur. It was a pretty hectic day, even yesterday going between meetings in both teams’ trucks trying to soak it all in. I’ll look back on a few things tonight and probably wake up tomorrow with a better understanding of how it all went.
