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Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo says his performance for Torro Rosso this year has been good enough to warrant a contract extension.
Ricciardo has generally out-qualified his French teammate Jean-Eric Vergne as the two vie to remain in F1 in 2013.
However the West Australian believes he will not know until later this year whether a new deal has been confirmed.
With compatriot Mark Webber remaining at Red Bull next season, Ricciardo is hoping for a quicker car and an improved race pace to prove he should inherit Webber’s seat.
But with the F1 season due to resume with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa next week, there is some doubt over the stability in Torro Rosso’s camp.
Technical director Giorgio Ascanelli was not at the German and Hungarian grands prix, prompting speculation he may be returning to Ferrari.
“In Hockenheim there was a bit of discussion and Giorgio was absent,” Ricciardo said. “Whether it’s something that will get resolved over the break.
“Maybe it came at a good time amd some time off and everyone can rethink.
“Maybe it will be good and, come to Spa, maybe everything will be normal again – or there could be some changes.”
Ricciardo said he expected to remain at Torro Rosso next year, dismissing early talk he was placed there as preparation to take over Webber’s Red Bull spot after just one full season.
“Unless we were getting some podiums and doing something extraordinary, I never saw that happening next year,” Ricciardo said.
“The thought of it was nice, but I wasn’t disappointed because I didn’t really expect it. We’ve still got a bit to learn.
“I’m definitely happy here. I’m not confirmed for what I am doing next year, but I’d be happy to do another year here to improve myself and see what happens.”
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