Ricciardo Will Push Hard to Secure F1 Debut in 2012

Although Daniel Ricciardo seems to have become Helmut Marko's next favorite within the Red Bull young drivers programme, the 21-year old Australian doesn't seem to get carried away by the positive comments made by the Austrian team's motorsport advisor in recent days.

Talking to Motorsport-Total.com the other day, Marko (regarded by many the right hand of Red Bull's owner Dietrich Mateschitz on motor racing related issues) said that Ricciardo could make his F1 debut in 2011. For the time being, he was only signed for the reserve and Friday driver role for Scuderia Toro Rosso.

However, “depending on the parties involved”, Marko said Ricciardo may see some Sunday track time in 2011. That comment was obviously made to put pressure on the two existing Toro Rosso drivers Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari prior to the 2011 campaign. However, the Austrian official continued by saying he is targeting a 2012 spot in F1 for Ricciardo.

Talking to the West Australian newspaper yesterday, Ricciardo revealed he did not read any of Marko's comments lately, but regardless he has to work hard to secure an F1 future in 2012.

“I can't really rest on that, that I'll be in (F1) next year. If I have a bad year this year, I'm sure he'll change his mind,” said the Australian driver, who is going to drive the STR6 during some Friday sessions in 2011, while also scheduled to run in some of the pre-season testing session for the Faenza-based squad.

“I'm not sure (exactly) what testing I'll be doing,” further added Ricciardo. “The Toro Rosso guys have told me that I'll be in the car for testing before Bahrain.”