Ricciardo eager to sign off with a 'strong result'

©WRI2

It's been three races since Daniel Ricciardo's last trip to the podium, but the Red Bull driver says Abu Dhabi offers good prospects for a top-three finish.

The Aussie came home sixth in Brazil after an impressive drive through the field which showcased Red Bull's indisputable form.

If reliability doesn't leave the Honey Badger's side, or rather that of his Renault engine, chances of success in Abu Dhabi are reasonable.

"Yas Marina is a bit like Suzuka for me though, a track that I've always enjoyed and gone well on but not quite reached the podium at," Ricciardo said.

"I broke that trend in Suzuka this year so hopefully I can do the same in Abu Dhabi.

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"It's a fun track to drive, I like the twilight thing and I guess because it's the end of the season it's even more enjoyable."

The split running in Abu Dhabi between the afternoon and the evening confers a special atmosphere to the event, but also implies a varied level of performance between the sessions.

“We practice in the daylight but race at twilight which makes things more challenging," says the Aussie.

"You generally don't look too much into the sunlight sessions because in the evenings, when it counts, the track cools down and the car changes so much.

"I wouldn't say they are wasted sessions but you do have to take them with a pinch of salt."

As the season finale, the race offers an opportunity to close the curtain on a high, and carry a positive frame of mind into the next season.

"When you have so much time away from the car in the off season it helps to sign off with a strong result as it makes you feel like you really deserve a break.

"I think we should have a strong car in Abu Dhabi. I said I want another win before the season is out and I think we have a decent chance of achieving that."

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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.