Ricciardo in pole position to replace Webber, says Dr Marko

Daniel Ricciardo looks like he’s first in line to replace Mark Webber.

According to Red Bull’s driver manager, Dr Helmut Marko, Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo is the favorite to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull.

Speaking to APA News Agency at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Spielberg, Austria, he said,”Many drivers want to drive for Red Bull, and we have two very good juniors,” referring to the two 23-year olds, Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Both drivers are the front-men for what is essentially Red Bull’s ‘B’ team, Toro Rosso. When asked about them, he said, “In general we are happy with both drivers. Ricciardo is currently the better one. Vergne is too impetuous, asking too much of these sensitive tyres in qualifying.”

Ricciardo, who is delighted with what Dr Marko has said, vowed to fight for the seat and knows that it isn’t easy. “Well, the seventh [place] in Shanghai definitely didn’t hurt me.

“But I know that I need to do more if I want to have a good chance of getting the place at Red Bull. I have to show that it wasn’t just a flash in the pan.”

Admitting that it is a tough climb, he said, “I see it as an incentive, not a burden. My goal is to get the promotion, and I know that a lot is expected of me.

“It’s up to me to get the results.”

This comes at a time when the pit lane was buzzing with rumours spreading around that Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen would eventually replace the outgoing Australian.