Daniel Ricciardo revels in Sri Lanka spotlight

Friday, 20 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says surprised by the level of support for motorsport and F1 in Sri Lanka New Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo said he has been surprised by the level of support for motorsport and F1 in Sri Lanka. Australian Ricciardo, who replaces compatriot Mark Webber as Sebastian Vettel’s team-mate in 2014, has been in Galle ahead of being a part of the Red Bull Show Run in Colombo. More than 100,000 people lined the streets to see Ricciardo tear up the track in his new car, after moving across from Red Bull’s sister team Toro Rosso.

“Sri Lanka has been really good so far. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Galle, it was really cool I got to see some waves which was nice,” Ricciardo said. “The stilt fishing, driving a tuk-tuk and I met some locals. “We have a lot of people here and they have been really nice, really friendly, welcoming. It is nice to see that, so there is lot of enthusiasm for motorsports here. “The track was really good, in sections it was bumpy but the corners were great.

“What made it even more special was being the first team to have driven a Formula One car on the streets of Sri Lanka and to get such a great reaction from the crowd.” Ricciardo said he is excited about the challenge ahead in 2014 and the job of supporting team-mate and four-time world champion Vettel. “You know I’ve been involved with Red Bull for a few years and now to have the Infiniti Red Bull Racing seat for 2014 is something I wished and dreamed of for years,” the Australian said. “To have it makes me extremely happy, proud, excited, relieved, a few things. “I just can’t wait to start it and I am curious to see how competitive I can be.” (Source: http://www.sportal.com.au/)