Ricciardo ready for the streets of Baku

Daniel Ricciardo is gearing up for an exciting weekend as Formula 1® returns to the streets of Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Aussie driver is keen to put his RB through its paces on the demanding circuit, with a new floor package providing an extra boost of confidence.

Baku's unique street circuit has been a fixture on the F1® calendar since 2016, offering a thrilling mix of high-speed straights and tight, technical corners. Ricciardo's previous experiences on this track have shown promise, and he's eager to build on that history.

"I'm looking forward to Baku, it's a proper track and like any street circuit, you need to find the limits quickly," Ricciardo shared, his enthusiasm palpable. The 6-kilometre layout presents a diverse set of challenges, with cars potentially reaching speeds over 345 km/h on the main straight before navigating through 20 corners that demand precision and skill.

The RB team has been hard at work, with Technical Director Jody Egginton revealing that a new floor package, first tested in Monza, will be further evaluated this weekend. Ricciardo expressed his eagerness to try out these upgrades, stating, "I know the team in Faenza have been pushing hard and I'm eager to try the new floor this weekend."

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Baku's reputation for unpredictability adds an extra layer of excitement to the race. The tight sections through the Old Quarter, lined with medieval walls, create a unique atmosphere and challenge for the drivers. However, some changes have been made to the track this year, as Ricciardo's teammate Yuki Tsunoda pointed out: "They have moved some of them back for this year and added openings to remove cars that stop on track, so maybe that reduces the chances of a Safety Car."

Despite the modifications, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix remains one of the most technically demanding races on the F1® calendar. The combination of long straights requiring aerodynamic efficiency and slow-speed corners that test braking and traction will keep Ricciardo and his engineers busy throughout the weekend.

As for his expectations, Ricciardo remains optimistic about his chances. "It'll be a good challenge but I'm confident we can come away with some points," he said, adding his trademark humour with a nod to the host city: "Well done Baku."

With the midfield battle remaining tight, all eyes will be on Ricciardo as he aims to maximise his performance and fight for those crucial championship points. As the streets of Baku prepare to echo with the roar of F1® engines once again, fans can expect an action-packed weekend of racing from the ever-smiling Australian.