Daniel Ricciardo to watch out for in 2011 F1 season - Sir Frank Williams
The Formula One maestro and team Williams’ owner, Sir Frank Williams predicts a long way for the Australian driver, Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo will be seen on the Formula One grids for the first time in 2011 season. Scuderia Toro Rosso, the junior team owned by Red Bull, has signed the Australian for the upcoming season. Previously, Mark Webber was the only Australian in the sport driving
with the senior team Red Bull Racing, who is the winner of the drivers’ as well as the constructors’ titles in 2010 season.
The 21-year-old, Ricciardo has been signed as a reserve driver for Friday practice sessions at each grand prix this year. He is expected to have his first drive of the season at the Friday practice in the beginning of March at the season opener, Bahrain
Grand Prix.
Rumours are adrift that if the driver does well in the practice sessions, he might get an opportunity to drive in one of the race weekends this season in place of the main drivers. Although the team has yet not made any official announcement but the Swiss
driver, Sebastian Buemi and the Spaniard, Jaime Alguersuari are expected to retain their seats with the team for another season.
Ricciardo was nominated by Williams during a quiz session that sought the opinion of various Formula One experts for the upcoming season. During the quiz when Sir Frank Williams was asked to name a driver to watch this year, he replied by taking Toro Rosso’s
reserve driver, Daniel Ricciardo’s name.
In 2008 Ricciardo won the Formula Renault West European Championship while in 2009 he claimed victory at the British Formula Three Championship. Moreover, he has also won over 20 races in Europe in just past three seasons.
Williams have already confirmed its next year’s drivers. The Formula One veteran, Rubens Barrichello who has already competed in over 300 races with the sport will be seen at the Williams’ seat next season. While the Venezualan rookie, Pastor Maldonado,
is ready to take over Nico Hulkenberg’s place for the upcoming season. Hulkenberg gave a fine debut season to the team last year, but Maldonado’s personal sponsorship of $15 million secured him the seat.
Tags: