Daniel Ricciardo smashes Top Gear lap record by 0.7 seconds

By The Roar / Editor

10th February, 2015

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):

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:

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.

The Crowd Says:

2015-02-10T03:56:06+00:00

JimmyB

Guest

It's always amusing how seriously celebrities take this challenge and even the professional drivers, he seemed genuinely delighted by it. No doubt Lewis will be ringing up Clarkson for another go. Is Ricciardo the happiest man alive? He's never not smiling, surely it actually hurts smiling that much?! Good luck to him this season, he's much more supportable in the Red Bull than Vettel ever was.

2015-02-10T01:17:37+00:00

shiftyxr

Guest

If your not first your last... Shake and bake.

2015-02-10T01:13:12+00:00

Seb who?

Guest

I enjoyed the comeuppance for the arse-clown in the audience who thought he was being clever by asking Ricciardo "What does the back of Lewis's car look like?" - before Captain Smiley's lap was shown.

2015-02-09T23:27:49+00:00

Ken

Guest

Very well done. Did he leave Clarkson hanging on an attempted handshake at the end or was that just the editing?

2015-02-09T12:38:38+00:00

Margaret M

Guest

Great Daniel Ricciardo - Bring on Form 1 .

2015-02-09T10:45:55+00:00

Brett McKay

Expert

The best driver IN THE WOORRRLD!