Daniel Ricciardo before Singapore Grand Prix! Interview:
Q: Daniel, it’s traditional for a driver to start the Singapore preview by saying it’s a bit hot and quite humid…
A: Well it is hot! And very humid! I think it’s all those tall buildings downtown – the heat doesn’t have anywhere to go. It’s the most physical challenge of the year. It’s the only race of the season where you crack open your visor to let in some cool air and instantly wish you hadn’t because it’s hotter outside. By the warm-up lap your chilled drinks bottle is the temperature of a freshly-poured cup of tea. It’s a tough place to race – but I love the challenge. I think most of the drivers do.
Q: You’re usually a happy camper in Singapore – do you like the buzz?
A: I do. Firstly I like the track. Street circuits are fun: you’re bouncing off the kerbs, kissing the walls, it’s cool. And the city’s great. Good restaurants, good atmosphere, great nightlife. Yeah, my kind of place…
Q: Do you have time to see any of it? Most days the team are leaving the track at 4am…
A: Maybe not on a Friday or Saturday night. It’s a pretty crazy schedule. I’ll end up chilling by the pool perhaps, when we get back at 4am before going to bed – but it’s not as if we’d have any action on those nights if it were an afternoon race. Sunday’s pretty good in Singapore though. The longer the race has been there, the more familiar the city has become with our schedule and more restaurants and bars are staying open later. It’s surprising what you can do at 4am in Singapore!
