Daniel Ricciardo reckons 2012 Pirellis can be pushed harder than 2011 Formula 1 rubber

That is the view of Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo, who thinks that it will be important not to be as conservative in looking after tyres as last year - even though degradation appears to be harder.

"You still have to be very conscious about it [looking after tyres], because when we did a race simulation, with higher fuel, the tyres were prone to more wear," explained Ricciardo during a promotional event with Pirelli in Melbourne.

"I was still driving a little bit conservative to save the life of the tyre, but I think I could have gone harder particularly in the first stint. Looking back at what I did, there was plenty of tyre left in the first few laps.

"I didn't have that last year. So I think you still probably will not be going at 110 per cent in the first stint or second stint, but maybe instead of 85 per cent as you saw last year, you will be pushing 99.5 per cent.

"I think driving will be a little bit more on the aggressive side and there will be a bit more passing, and even more excitement - with more chance of getting further up the grid."

Ricciardo is excited about getting a full season with Toro Rosso this year, and thinks his half season with HRT in 2011 will be a massive help.

"I was fortunate to spend some time with Toro Rosso at the beginning of last year, and the team remains unchanged, so this helps at the start of the year.

"With testing, everything went smoothly and I have a much better opportunity to get further up the grid. Last year served me well doing 11 races with HRT. It was not a frontrunning team, but it was good to learn like that. It toughened me up a bit and I will use that to help me this year."