Ricciardo to make Formula One race debut this weekend at the British GP.

August 05, 2011

Former Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) supported driver Daniel Ricciardo will step up from his reserve driver duties with Toro Rosso
to make his Formula 1 racing debut in the next round of the World Championship at the British Grand Prix, just down the road from where he currently lives in Milton Keynes.

The West Australian who just celebrated his 22nd Birthday, will drive ‘on loan’ for F1 new comers, Hispania Racing Team (HRT) partnering Tonio Liuzzi. Daniel replaces
Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan for the remainder of the season however it’s rumoured that Karthikeyan is due to step back into the seat for the Indian Grand Prix in late
October.   

Daniel will join AMSF patron Mark Webber in an all Australian assault at the Silverstone circuit which Webber won in 2010. The last time two Australians started a race in Formula 1 was the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix which was won by Alan Jones and the second Australian entry, Vern Schuppan, placed 16th.
16th wouldn’t be an unrealistic result for Daniel’s debut race; however at this stage just to finish the race is the main aim for the weekend.

He is under no illusions that his debut in the premier class of motor racing will be a tough one.
“For the Silverstone weekend I think my first aim is to finish, physically and mentally this will be a good reward and all part of the learning process.” He said.
The AMSF would like to wish both Daniel and Mark all the very best this weekend at the British Grand Prix.