Australian Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo is aiming to continue his run of podium finishes with a strong result in the upcoming USGP. Daniel has had success at the Circuit of Americas in the past with two podiums to his credit.
With the Austin track one that enables overtaking, something the Red Bull driver is very good at doing, his chances of being right up there again this weekend are very high.
The USGP is quickly followed by the Mexican GP, making it a very desirable double header, especially for Daniel, who also had a third placed finish here last year, despite not standing on the podiumโฆ
You're a big fan of the United States, so the trip to Austin must be one you're looking forward to โ especially as you've been on the COTA podium twice in the past, in 2014 and last year?
Everyone knows I love the city of Austin but I also love the circuit. It's certainly unique with the wide apexes, you can pass in more than three areas. It's fast, it flows well and it's definitely one of the best tracks on the calendar for overtaking.
What about Austin's nightlife? We know you love your music, so do you get to see many gigs when you're there?
In the city there is so much to see. I like going to the well-known places like Pete's Piano Bar but also some of the more local places for live music and food. I have done Barton Springs, visited a ranch and this year I'm doing Austin City limits โ there's so much to do and it's all so good.
And the western culture? You have, shall we say, embraced your inner-cowpoke before. Are we going to see that again this year?
Some people are asking if I have a beard plan for Austin this year, I haven't thought that far ahead yet but I still feel my little beard in 2014 was my best, so I might just bring that one back.
After Austin we make the short trip to Mexico City. You backed up your 2016 Austin podium with a top-three finish in Mexico last year, though you weren't actually on the podium.
It was a little confusing to be classified third there last year but nonetheless a nice surprise. I enjoyed the track last year more than I did the first year as it started out quite dirty and slippery, which didn't really give the car a good feeling. Last year it was much better and this year it should improve even more. Even though the stadium section is really slow and not the most adrenaline-fuelled part of the track, I really enjoy it because it's so technical.
Does the altitude (Mexico City is over 2000m above sea level) make any difference?
The thin air definitely makes a big difference to the car handling. We use the most downforce we have and it still feels less than Monza. The car moves around a lot and for that reason you never really feel 100% happy, but you just deal with it.
