Ricciardo aiming for 2012 STR race seat

Speaking at the launch of the team's new STR6 challenger, the 21-year-old Australian explained that while his full schedule as test and reserve driver was yet to be defined, he was focussed on making the most of the opportunity.

"I would love to be racing in Formula 1 in 2012 full time, as always I try not to look at it too much," he said. "I think if I can learn as much as I can and do a good job I the Friday practice then hopefully it will set me up for something in the future."

Ricciardo indicated that he expected to get a fair amount of running in the morning practice session on Fridays during the season, though his schedule would be dictated by his availability when not racing in Formula Renault 3.5.

"I knew Red Bull has the best interests for me and it was a good season last year, so even though I missed out on the championship I knew that I would find something good for me in 2011 and they pulled through which is good and I've got a good menu this year," he explained.

"I wouldn't say [my schedule is] fully defined but it's free practice one - that definitely is the programme.

"I think eventually some races clash with World Series so that's yet to be confirmed, but definitely Friday first practice and try and see what I can do in there. I think the procedure will be very similar to what Force India or a few other teams did last year."