Q&A with Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso reserve driver

A native of Perth, Red Bull Junior driver Daniel made a name for himself when his racing
career brought him to Europe. After a year learning the ropes in Formula Renault Italy, he
made his big breakthrough in 2008, winning the Formula Renault West European Cup.
From 15 races, Daniel took nine pole positions and eight victories on his way to the title.

For 2009 Daniel moved up a class to race in the British Formula 3 Championship and
quickly proved that his Formula Renault form wasn’t a flash in the pan. In a spectacular
season, the young gun notched seven wins, six pole positions and 13 podium finishes in
total, as well as the small detail of wrapping up the title with two rounds to go.

His consistent pace and intelligent feedback in those tests earned him the ‘super-sub’ role
as test and reserve driver for the Red Bull teams in 2010, when he also tackled the World
Series by Renault, finishing the championship in the runner-up slot. For 2011, he is again
reserve driver for the two Red Bull teams with the additional responsibility of driving the
Toro Rosso car in Friday’s Free Practice 1 session at most Grands Prix, replacing the two
race drivers alternately. And he’ll be dealing with the unfinished business of trying to win
the World Series title.

You’re having another crack at the World Series championship this year. What are
your expectations in that area?

I feel it’s unfinished business, as I came second in the series last year, missing out very
narrowly on the title. To get another crack at it is a good thing and it will be another new
experience as I will be with a new team, ISR. They proved to be quick last year so I am
confident we can do what we didn’t do in 2010 and go one better.

It’s a busy year for you, as you will be driving one of the Toro Rosso cars on Friday
mornings at most of the F1 Grands Prix. Are you excited at the prospect?

I think it will hit me in Bahrain, when I’m rolling out of pit lane for the very first time! I’ll be on the same track with guys I’ve been watching for ten years or so and it will be good fun. I’m
sure I’ll enjoy it and from then on, as I drive the session I’m sure it will feel as normal as it
can. Hopefully I will seize the opportunity with both hands and see where it goes from
there. I expect to be working with the team for the rest of the