F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo not ruling out future Le Mans or Indy 500 bids

Daniel Ricciardo says he could be tempted to take a shot at Le Mans and at the Indy 500 in the future, although he admits feeling a bit apprehensive about tackling the latter.

As a past winner of the Monaco GP, one of three jewels in motorsport's coveted Triple Crown, Ricciardo could gun for glory by adding Indy and Le Mans - the other two gems - to his impressive credentials.

However, an onslaught on either event would require the right opportunity and perhaps a dose of audacity on the part of the Aussie when it comes to taking on the daunting Speedway.

"Basically, that sounds great, but oval scares me a little, I want to be completely honest," the Aussie told Speedweek.

"I found Fernando’s performance impressive, and I imagined how I would do there. Maybe one day I’ll try. I mean, you have to turn left four times per lap – how difficult can that be?"

Last year, Ricciardo revealed that he once held tentative talks with Porsche LMP1 boss Andreas Seidl over a possible participation at Le Mans.

With McLaren mulling a return to the Sarthe at some point in the future, the chances of the team's latest recruit one day racing down the Hunaudières at the wheel of a papaya machine seem more reasonable than mad dash around the Brickyard.

"Some of my colleagues have already tried it, and I’m attracted by the idea that you share a car with team-mates," said Ricciardo about Le Mans.

"As a Grand Prix driver you don’t lay all your cards on the table, but at Le Mans you have to share all your secrets with your colleagues.

"I’d love that kind of collaboration. Competing in a 24-hour race would also push me to the limit physically and mentally."

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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.

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