Ricciardo to join Tech 1 for Portimao

The Australian Carlin Motorsport driver will substitute for fellow Red Bull Junior Brendon Hartley, who is on Formula 3 Euro Series duty with Carlin at Oschersleben.

"It's really Red Bull's decision," Ricciardo told AUTOSPORT. "Brendon is the regular driver but he's not available next weekend and I guess I sprang up in their minds.

"It's a good thing they want to give me a shot and Tech 1 are a championship-winning team so it's a great way to start. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I'm not expecting to be at the back!

"I hope to give some competition and just compare myself to Charles Pic because he's won races and is quick. If I can challenge Charles, that won't be a bad effort.

"It's also a chance to get in some laps and learn the track before the penultimate round of F3. I'm looking forward to it - it's two long races and it's probably going to be hot so I guess coming from the outback will help!"

GP2 racer Edoardo Mortara replaced Hartley at Le Mans last weekend and finished sixth in race two from 21st on the grid.