Danny Ric is back in the saddle!

©RedBull

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©RedBull

Daniel Ricciardo was back behind the wheel of an F1 car on Saturday for the first time since his unfortunate mishap at the Dutch Grand Prix last August.

The Aussie has recovered from the fractured metacarpal he sustained when he hit the barrier in free practice at Zandvoort, and after a period of rehabilitation and several hours of training in Red Bull’s simulator, the AlphaTauri charger declared himself fit for duty.

Ahead of next weekend’s US Grand Prix in Austin, Ricciardo took part on Saturday in Nashville in a Red Bull show run where he blew away the crowd gathered on Broadway at the wheel of a 2011 RB7.

“A little update: simulator’s been going well, hand is feeling good to drive,” Ricciardo said in a video posted on social media by Red Bull. “Everyone knows I love Austin, wouldn’t miss that one for the world.

“But before that, a little stop off in Nashville. We’re here for the show run this weekend. See you on Broadway if you’re here on Saturday, otherwise we’ll see you in Austin.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.