MOTORSPORT: Aussie F1 driver ready to rumble

Toro Rosso F1 Team driver Daniel Ricciardo is pumped to be back in Australia for the start of the F1 season, saying he wants to "tear apart" his rivals this year.

"Everyone's a rival and someone I want to beat... Just try and tear them all apart really [laughs]," the affable 23-year-old Western Australian told motoring.com.au.

Given the right car, the talented young driver could certainly achieve that.

During an event in Melbourne where the media raced the up-and-coming F1 driver in 1.0-litre Volkswagen up! cars (Volkswagen is the official car supplier of the Toro Rosso F1 team), Ricciardo explained that the new Toro Rosso SRT8 car is a better racer than its predecessor, but was cautious about predicting massive gains.

"I feel confident that we can improve on last year," he said. "This weekend I think we're going to see where everyone stands."

In 2012, the Toro Rosso F1 team of Dan Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne didn't have the finish they wanted, trailing mid-pack rivals Williams by 50 championship points and Sauber by 100 points. Ricciardo finished 18th overall with 10 driver points, but says the only way is up.

"The plan is to definitely fight with Force India, Williams and Sauber more consistently and to try and get the better end of those fights. So I think they're the guys we're targeting.

"You know, the advantage we have got is that we were at the back of that pack so we can hopefully only go forwards," said Mr Ricciardo.

The Toro Rosso team singled out its car as the biggest issue for the team, and with a new technical chief, James Key (formerly employed by Sauber), the team is keen to mix it up in 2013.

Ricciardo himself is confident of turning up the tempo, with three simple goals for 2013: "Improve on last year; beat my team mate; and turn some heads."

Hinting at the confidence the Ferrari-powered F1 team has in the new car -- and Ricciardo's own self-belief -- he stated that a top five finish is not out of the question this year.

"I definitely want to improve on my ninth position [highest-placed finish] of last year. I'd love to aim higher and get a top five, I think that would be good and anything better would be a bonus."

Though the young F1 driver showed consistency in 2012 and didn't bingle his multi-million dollar F1 car too often, he seems to be a glutton for punishment. He told motoring.com.au his favourite track is Montreal in Canada by virtue of the quick chicanes, the bumpiness and "getting close to the wall".

Discussing the rule changes occurring in 2014, when turbocharged 1.6-litre engines will be the norm, Daniel Ricciardo reckons drivers may have to make adjustments.

"It's going to be different. I think some new driving styles may be applied," quipped the young driver, hinting at some power-sliding antics.

"I think it will be exciting but I'm still trying to get my head around this year," he said.

As Daniel Ricciardo's career continues on its heady trajectory, he has hopes of spending more leisure time with fellow Australian F1 driver Mark Webber.

"I caught up with him a couple of times last year away from the track. Did a dinner once or twice and talked things other than racing.

"We're hoping to get to the Isle of Man [TT motorcycle event] this year; it's something I've really wanted to do. I know he was there last year and he said it was a great gig and 'you gotta come along', so hopefully we'll head to that this year."

We wondered if one of the most infamous events, the TT's Mad Sunday (where the 60km road circuit is open to the public, and no speed limits apply) would appeal to the Toro Rosso F1 driver.

"That could be a bit of me I reckon! I think I'd get carried away though," laughed the sociable West Australian.

At a more sedate speed -- driving a 55kW/95Nm Volkswagen up! city car on a tight motorkhana course -- Ricciardo was fast (and fancy) but motoring.com.au wasn't far off the pace, scoring second place behind the F1 driver and fending off challenges from other media outlets.

Naturally we asked if a seat in the Toro Rosso F1 was in the wings for us.

"Maybe if you'd beaten me," he grinned.