Ricciardo expects tougher challenge
British Formula 3 pre-season title favourite Daniel Ricciardo believes he will face a tougher challenge from his rivals in future races than he did at the Oulton Park season opener last weekend
The Australian Carlin driver took two comfortable wins from two front row grid spots at Oulton, but expects to face stiffer competition as the season progresses.
"I think this weekend proved there's quite a few of us who can fight for race wins," said Ricciardo, whose race one victory made him the first driver to win a British F3 race with a Volkswagen engine since Steve Robertson at Thruxton in 1991.
"Nick Tandy was always going to be strong, Walter [Grubmuller], with his F3 experience, he's started well. Max [Chilton] impressed with his pole, and [Daisuke] Nakajima in his first British F3 race was right up there, so it's quite hard to say, but for sure there are a few guys who can do it."
Ricciardo also reckons fellow VW-powered squad T-Sport will return to the fight at the front of the field, despite struggling for pace at Oulton.
"T-Sport were good at the Silverstone International test the other week and, although their guys didn't have the best weekend here, if they can find their form they'll be in the fight at the next round," he added.
"I hope I'm going to be strong everywhere, but I'm not sure yet. Testing at Silverstone was just okay - nothing too special from me - so we've got some work to do there, but I don't think it's really a problem and, if it is, I'm sure it's one we can solve."
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