Ricciardo vows to work for F1 debut in 2012

Daniel Ricciardo is not getting excited despite his boss Helmut Marko saying the Australian is scheduled to make his F1 debut by 2012 "at the latest".

The 21-year-old is the cream of Red Bull’s current junior development programme, and will drive on the Friday morning of grands prix this year with Toro Rosso as well as racing in the Renault World Series.

And whether he is drafted in to replace the Red Bull-owned team’s regulars Sebastien Buemi or Jaime Alguersuari before the 2011 season is out, Marko told Motorsport-Total.com that it "depends on the parties involved".

Ricciardo, in Perth with his family this week, told the West Australian newspaper that he had not read Red Bull advisor Dr Marko’s comments.

But he insisted: "I can’t really rest on that, that I’ll be in (F1) next year. If I have a bad year this year, I’m sure he’ll change his mind."

Ricciardo confirmed that he will be driving on the Friday in Bahrain, and at three of the forthcoming pre-season tests.

"I’m not sure (exactly) what testing I’ll be doing," he said.

"The Toro Rosso guys have told me that I’ll be in the car for testing before Bahrain," added Ricciardo.