Ricciardo eager to settle 'theories and speculation' on the track

Renault's Daniel Ricciardo is looking forward to getting his season underway with his new team, and gaining some clarity on the prospects that emerged over the winter.

The Aussie couples his first race with Renault with his home race, an event that therefore doubles his dose of excitement.

"It’s an exciting thought that my first race for Renault is my home Grand Prix," said Ricciardo ahead of this week's season-opening round at Melbourne.

"There’s always so much hype at the start of the Formula 1 season, and this has been amplified by me joining a new team.

Ricciardo urges Renault to focus on one 'crucial factor' in 2019

"I’ve had this date circled since I announced I’d be signing with Renault and I’m looking forward to getting race week started.

"It’s been a long winter with a lot of theories and speculation going around, but the race track is where we settle all that.

"We had a good winter test, I’m growing happier every time I step into the car and the first race will be especially exciting.

"I feel comfortable within the team; walking through the garage, stepping into the car all feels cool and real now."

©Renault

It's early days for Ricciardo and Renault, with a lot of work remaining ahead for the pair, but keeping the local crowd's expectations for their favourite son in check won't be easy. So the Honey Badger will give it his all.

"I know the Australian crowd will be out there supporting me as the sole home representative on the grid," says the Honey Badger.

"Hopefully there will be a sea of yellow in the grandstands and that will be really motivating.

"There’s going to be a lot of expectation and attention on us, but we’re remaining realistic with what we have set out to achieve.

"That doesn’t deter from the fact we’ll be giving it our best shot. The midfield will be close, but we’re chipping away towards closing the gap to the top.

"The first race is the first chapter on this journey and I’ll be pushing as hard as ever to ensure we do ourselves proud."

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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.