Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo has taken to the track in a Suzuki Liana for Top Gear‘s ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car’ challenge.
Ricciardo, who will spearhead Red Bull Racing’s F1 team this season, smashed the previous lap record by a whopping 0.7 seconds.
The popular UK-based television series had proudly displayed countryman Lewis Hamilton in top spot of the F1-driver-only leaderboard, until Ricciardo staked what will likely be a lengthy claim to the position.
Host Jeremy Clarkson couldn’t resist the most glaring comparison to the Australian’s performance, stating, “It’s the Ashes all over again.”
Hamilton had previously taken top spot from Australian, Mark Webber, when he bested his time by 0.2 seconds, becoming the first driver to break to 1:43 mark.
The new leaderboard (featuring Ricciardo in first place, along with fellow Australian, Mark Webber in third):
Ricciardo is now oficial the fastest F1 Star in a Reasonably Priced Car pic.twitter.com/ayKZuN6BHj
— F1NISH (@f1nish) February 8, 2015
After claiming top spot, Ricciardo stated, “This is how I felt after Canada.” Referring to his maiden F1 victory at the 2-14 Canadian Grand Prix.
He then proceeded to climb upon the set’s coffee table, and soak up the cheers of the crowd.
Ricciardo gunning his way to top spot in a Suzuki Liana:
#DanielRicciardo #TopGear: Australian ace says record lap as good as first F1 win,… http://t.co/u89CKGYGvO pic.twitter.com/sLuqSzovcK
— Australia Trends (@australizer) February 9, 2015
Ricciardo entered the 2014 season with low expectations placed against his name, driving second to one of the sport’s top drivers.
However, three race wins and the exit of Sebastian Vettel from Red Bull Racing have the 25 year old Australian ready for a big 2015 season as his side’s No.1 diver.
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