Ricciardo relishing Red Bull challenge

Australian keen to learn from teammate Vettel

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA: In just his third season in Formula One, Australian Daniel Ricciardo faces the daunting task of joining a Red Bull team that has swept all before them for the past four years.

Ricciardo has graduated from sister team Toro Rosso to replace compatriot Mark Webber, who retired from Formula One at the end of last season.

Ricciardo will partner four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, and he is welcoming the opportunity to learn from the German and possibly even compete with him too as the season develops.

“I approach it with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement,” he said.

“It is a huge opportunity and privilege to work alongside a four-time world champion in Sebastian. I will take each race as it comes, but I would love to be as competitive as soon as possible.”

Webber’s departure means Ricciardo will also be the only Australian driver to take to the grid when the season gets underway in Melbourne in March.