After finishing as the runners-up in the last three Singapore Grands Prix, Daniel Ricciardo is psyching up to win the race this time around.
The Aussie is well versed with the tough challenges presented by the famous Marina Bay Circuit having endured its hot and humid weather conditions several times.
Recalling his first experience at Singapore, Ricciardo said: “I have learnt to love the challenge of Singapore. For me, the first year I raced there in 2011 was one of the worst races I have been involved in,”
“Physically it was so intense, I just underestimated how hard it would be. I wasn’t in a happy place after that race, it gave me a feeling I never want to experience in a race car again, so I made a promise to myself that I would always come to Singapore over-prepared.
“In a way, this is now something I take pride in; I always get there feeling really sharp and well prepared.
“I now really like that challenge and I also thrive in the heat. In a strange way, the pain has become pleasure over the years.”
As a street race, Singapore pokes the Aussie in the same way another street track, Monaco does. The Honey Badger hopes to recreate the same magic at Singapore.
“As everyone knows, I love street circuits. The feeling of driving on the edge, so close to the walls, is something you just can’t get enough of,” he says.
“It’s the original night race, and the schedule is always pretty hectic but there is something kind of romantic about going to the track at night and then to bed at four or five in the morning.
“It’s a place where I also have good races and finish pretty strong. I’ve had four podiums and three-second places in a row there, so it’s about time I win the damn thing.”
