Ricciardo hopes move to Renault will 'dissolve' bad luck

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Daniel Ricciardo is hopeful his upcoming move to Renault will ward off the misfortune that has wreaked havoc on his 2018 season.

The Aussie roared off the grid in Melbourne at the start of the year, aiming to fight for the world title. Victory in the third round of the world championship in China and his triumph at Monaco asserted his ambitions.

Alas, it was all down hill from that point, the Red Bull driver finding himself all too often on the receiving end of mechanical failures and bad luck, a state of affairs that likely contributed to his decision to opt for a change of scenery for 2019, and hopefully for a change of fortunes.

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"After 2018 the bad luck is just going to dissolve" Ricciardo said.

"The bad luck will stay in 2018. Look, I am certainly excited for a change and a new challenge.

"But whether I’d had a run of good races or the run I’ve had, it would not actually change my feeling about where I am going next year."

The 29-year-old said that he'll be happy to see the curtain close on 2018, impatient as he is to open up a new chapter in his career.

“"Even before this run of misfortune I was already looking and tempted to move on and have something different. I don’t see it any different now," he added.

"Part of me, as excited as I am to try and have a good result in the final races, I am also just excited to get the year finished and start fresh with a new team next year."

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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.