Ricciardo surprised by depth of support at home race

2017 Australian Grand Prix

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Daniel Ricciardo says he’s pleasantly surprised at how much interest there is around his home race this weekend.

The four times grand prix winner is bidding to become the first Australian driver to win their home race as he begins his fourth season as a Red Bull driver.

Australian Grand Prix build-up in pictures
Ricciardo said the amount of interest in him at his home event is “not a weight on my shoulders” but it “means more work”.

“This week is easily the biggest F1 week of the year for me,” he said. “But it’s all positive support.”

“It’s kind of overwhelming, actually. I’m a bit surprised so many people are getting behind me and the event. it’s obviously cool, nice and encouraging to see. I hear that ticket sales are up quite a chunk from last year.”

“I try and enjoy it. I appreciate it won’t last forever. It’s demanding, it is a tiring week, but it’s pretty cool to see so many people supportive of me and the event.”

“I don’t see it as a pressure in terms of, if I don’t win on Sunday I know they’re not all going to leave the track and say I’m hopeless and never come back. They want to see me do well and that’s how I see it , just a bit of extra motivation for me. I think the drivers’ parade on Sunday I’ll see that and feel it and get me jacked up for the race.”

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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