Ricciardo, who has signed a “multi-year agreement”, conceded that he would
have to hit the ground running in 2014. “Next year I’ll be with a
championship-winning team, arguably the best team, and will be expected to
deliver,” he said. “I’m ready for that. I’m not here to run around in tenth
place.”
The man from Perth, Western Australia, told Telegraph Sport last
weekend that he was not scared of going up against Vettel, or concerned by
suggestions that the German would be afforded preferential treatment. “From
what I hear the team is very much interested in equality. I am definitely
aware that if I do get the opportunity to race alongside [Vettel], it is not
going to be easy. But I would love to get the opportunity to prove to
everyone that I have what it takes – and more than that, to know for myself
that I can mix it with the big guys.
“If I can’t, well, at least I can say I tried. But I believe I can.” With
Ricciardo now confirmed, and Jenson Button about to commit to a new deal at
McLaren, only Ferrari’s second seat remains a source of serious speculation
among the major teams. Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion, has been linked
with what would be a sensational return to Maranello to partner Fernando
Alonso but it is far more likely that the Finn will stay with Lotus and
that the Italian team opt to give Felipe Massa another year or promote a
youngster such as Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.
Meanwhile, English GP2 driver James Calado has been named Force India reserve.
He will be handed his first chance to impress in practice at this weekend’s
Italian Grand Prix and will fulfil the same role at this season’s remaining
races.