'I'm just excited to drive again': Daniel Ricciardo milestone a huge step towards F1 return
Daniel Ricciardo will jump into the cockpit of a Formula 1 car once more after confirming he will complete a Pirelli tyre test for Red Bull at Silverstone in July.
Ricciardo was announced as the team's third driver for this season after he was paid out of his contract with McLaren to make way for fellow Australian Oscar Piastri
Keeping in line with F1's restrictions around in-season testing, Ricciardo has largely been completing simulator work, as well as assisting with commercial activities and driver development.
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Daniel Ricciardo. Getty Images
However, the eight-time grand prix winner will get behind the wheel of the RB19 during a rare testing opportunity.
"I've been in the simulator, but I will drive the RB19 in July after the Silverstone race – I'm getting a Pirelli test," Ricciardo told ESPN.
"Then maybe I'll get another one after Monza as well in September. A couple of months away [and] I'll get to feel what it's like."
Ricciardo said he was eager to make the most of the event by showing off his potential.
"I'm certainly excited to drive a fast car, but also a car that maybe still feels familiar for me – it does a little bit in the sim," he said.
"But I'm just excited to drive again and to just try to remind a team obviously I once had a lot of success with that I can still turn a fast lap."
Daniel Ricciardo talks during the Red Bull season launch in New York City. Arturo Holmes via Getty Images
During the season, the teams are restricted to a limited amount of testing on the current generation of F1 cars. This includes two promotional events and two demonstration events.
Ricciardo will trial the full range of Pirelli tyres, gathering valuable data concerning tyre windows and degradation.
The 33-year-old has previously stated his intentions to return to the F1 grid in 2024.
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