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Ricciardo hopes for Indycar or Bathurst: 'If he asked me, I'd say yes'

Ricciardo hopes for Indycar or Bathurst: 'If he asked me, I'd say yes'

14-04-2021 13:52 Last update: 14:23

GPblog.com

Daniel Ricciardo has been driving for McLaren since this season and apart from the fact that this is likely to bring sporting gains in Formula 1, there is another benefit to the switch. Through McLaren, the Australian hopes to make trips to other racing classes.

Racing at Bathurst

The chances of Ricciardo making such a move in the near future are increased by the fact that McLaren owner Zak Brown is also part owner of the Walkinshaw Andretti United Supercars team. Brown has already suggested that Ricciardo and his teammate Lando Norris could run as wildcards at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst where the Bathurst 1000 is held.

Ricciardo himself, at least, sees it all the way through. "I have to - even if I don't drive the race - drive a Supercar around Bathurst. Whether it's a private test or the real race, I have to do it. And I think I've got a good chance now with Zak as a friend and a boss," he told Motorsport.com. Driving at Bathurst is not the only option for Ricciardo, however. "He [Zak Brown] would like to try and get us into the IndyCar, so there's a lot to do".

Ricciardo would say yes

With this year's Japanese Grand Prix falling at the same time as the Bathurst 1000, that is probably not yet in the cards, but the 12 Hours of Bathurst, usually held in February, is an option. "When I signed with him [Brown], in the early stages of last year, we had these conversations and it was thrown in: 'We should let you do the 12 Hours of Bathurst'. If he asked me and it would work logistically, I would say yes."