Friday, July 01, 2011

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Daniel Ricciardo set for Formula 1 debut at Silverstone

Daniel Ricciardo set for Formula 1 debut at Silverstone

Page last updated at 19:46 GMT, Thursday, 30 June 2011 20:46 UK


Ricciardo has driven in practice at each of the eight grands prix this season

Toro Rosso reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo is to make his Formula 1 racing debut at the British Grand Prix next weekend for Hispania Racing.

Australian Ricciardo, 22, has taken part in Friday morning practice for Toro Rosso at each of the eight grands prix so far this year.

Ricciardo is to be loaned to Hispania Racing for the rest of the campaign as a replacement for Narain Karthikeyan.

"It's a dream come true to be on an F1 starting grid," said Ricciardo.

Karthikeyan, the only Indian to score a point in F1, will step back into the car for his country's inaugural grand prix in New Delhi from 28-30 October.

Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi is the third official driver on the Hispania team.

Ricciardo, a product of Red Bull Racing's driver academy programme, will now be assessed in a race seat ahead of the prospect of being given a full-time drive with Toro Rosso next year.

"I had to pinch myself a couple of times to be sure that it's real. Now I'm excited and can hardly wait to drive at Silverstone," added Ricciardo.

"It's a new challenge, a new experience, a new team, but I'm ready and will give of my best in any event."

Hispania team chairman Jose Ramon Carabante is hopeful the loan is "just the start of a fruitful relationship" with Red Bull.

"This agreement is a reward for all the hard work Hispania Racing has shown since we started in F1 last year," said Carabante.

"We're proud the F1 world champion team has trusted us in their effort of developing their drivers."

Hispania Racing have yet to score a point since their debut at the start of 2010.

Credit: BBC (www.bbc.co.uk)

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