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Daniel Ricciardo reckons he’s racing for second, tempering hopes of becoming the first Australian to win a home grand prix in 35 years.
Ricciardo says he’s a more evolved driver than last year but believes his Red Bull Racing team will still trail reigning champion Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes in Melbourne this weekend.
“We’ll see what happens on track but it does look like the Mercs have a bit of pace again this year,” Ricciardo told reporters on Thursday.
“But for those last spots on the podium it looks pretty close between us, Ferrari and Williams and I’m sure there will be a few other players coming into the mix.
“We’ll see everyone on track like for like this weekend and I think that is what is going to be exciting.
“Testing doesn’t really show everything and I think what it did show was that Mercs are quick, but other than that it’s all pretty close behind them.”
An Australian hasn’t triumphed in a home grand prix since Alan Jones in 1980, when the event wasn’t part of the Formula One world championship.
Ricciardo realises he’s carrying high expectations after winning three grand prix in a stunning debut season last year.
In Melbourne a year ago, Ricciardo finished third only to later be disqualified over a fuel flow issue.
The 25-year-old said Red Bull Racing were undoubtedly better placed entering the new season which starts on Friday with two practice sessions.
“The times we have put down in testing don’t really show that yet,” Ricciardo said.
“But obviously we’re coming here this weekend with a lot more confidence in reliability. And we have actually got a plan for Sunday whereas last year it was just put the car on the track and hope to see the chequered flag.
“Obviously I have moved a long a way, and I’m a more evolved driver and have a bigger impact in the team, spending the 12 months there that I have now.
“It’s all there on the table ready for us to use and pursue to put in another strong fight.”
Englishman Hamilton, eyeing a third world title to equal his idol Ayrton Senna, was reluctant to embrace his favouritism, preferring to keep the season-opener in perspective as just one of 20 races.
“I don’t see it as exaggerated importance than any other,” Hamilton told reporters.
“Of course you come here and want to start on the right foot but there’s a long, long way to go.”
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