Self-isolation makes training easier for Renault's Daniel Ricciardo

26 March 2020 - 09:51 By Reuters
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Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1.
Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1.
Image: Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Australian Daniel Ricciardo believes self-isolation makes for a perfect training camp, though it helps to be on the family farm in Western Australia with a swimming pool and some machinery to play with.

Speaking in a live Instagram Q+A organised by his Renault Formula One team, the Australian talked about what he was doing to pass the time waiting for a coronavirus-ravaged season to start.

The opening race in Melbourne on March 15 was cancelled, with the Monaco Grand Prix, and Formula One has said it hopes to start a reduced season in the European summer.

Six races have been postponed and await rescheduling.

“I know it's probably going to be a while till we race again, but I'm not allowing myself to go back into holiday mode,” said Ricciardo.

“Training is definitely the thing that's keeping me with that competitive mindset. You get some anger out when you train, so that's my medicine for now.

“I feel like now it's kind of perfect to get in shape,” added the 30-year-old. “We're forced to stay in, there's no jet lag, no airports, we can really create a real training camp, which we don't always have.”

Ricciardo said he expected to see other drivers looking pretty fit when they got back together again, even if they might have so much pent up aggression that they all collided at the first corner.

The Australian said he might just qualify last to avoid the carnage and cash in.

Ricciardo obligingly jumped into his swimming pool after agreeing to do so if enough people urged him to and revealed his other activities involved driving buggies and watching sheep being sheared.

On Instagram, he also posted a picture of himself singing while driving a tractor.


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