Daniel Ricciardo aiming for "weekend to remember" on F1 milestone

Daniel Ricciardo

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Ricciardo aiming for "weekend to remember" on F1 milestone

Australian will make his 200th start in Belgium

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 24 August 2021 10:59

Daniel Ricciardo has vowed to turn this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix into one "to remember" as he celebrates an F1 milestone.

McLaren driver Ricciardo will become only the 20th driver in F1 history to compete in his 200th grand prix when he takes part in the race at Spa Francorchamps.

Ricciardo follows hot on the heels of Red Bull's Sergio Perez in reaching such a mark after the Mexican chalked up his 200th race in Austria.

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"After a few weeks away from Formula 1, I'm looking forward to going racing again at Spa, which is an awesome circuit," said Ricciardo.

"It’s the perfect track to come back to with its high-speed sections and dramatic elevation changes.

"I’ve been back to work in the simulator at the factory this week in preparation for the weekend and I'm ready to get back at it.

“This is also a special weekend for me as I prepare to line up for my 200th grand prix.

"If you’d have told me back at Silverstone in 2011, when I made my debut, that I'd hit 200 grands prix, I'd certainly have been very excited about it.

"It’s really a cool milestone to hit and definitely one that I'm proud of. I’ll be doing everything I can to make it a weekend to remember.“

Ricciardo has endured a tricky debut season with McLaren, only finishing in the top five in a race on one occasion compared to the nine for team-mate Lando Norris, who has also claimed three podiums.

McLaren will at least be doing all it can to ensure the weekend runs as smoothly as possible for the Australian.

"This weekend is a special moment for Daniel and the team, as we celebrate his 200th grand prix," remarked team principal Andreas Seidl.

"To reach this milestone is a really significant achievement and proves the level of experience he’s gained over his 10-year career.

"He joins an elite club of drivers in passing 200 grands prix, and we look forward to celebrating the weekend with him."