Ricciardo hopes to sign off on a high note in Abu Dhabi

Red Bull's Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo. - AFP file

Daniel Ricciardo is fourth in the drivers' standings, two spots better than partner Max Verstappen, and he has more podium finishes too. However the Australian is overshadowed by the rampaging Belgian at Red Bull. Yet, there is a healthy competition among the two drivers.

Ricciardo, though, is in awesome form as his overtaking techniques in the Brazilian GP showed. He is looking for more fun in Abu Dhabi and sign off the season on a high.

"Yas Marina has actually been one of my favourite tracks over the years. It's been a bit like Suzuka for me though, a track that I've always enjoyed and gone well on but not quite reached the podium. I broke that trend in Suzuka this year so hopefully I can do the same in Abu Dhabi."

Ricciardo said Yas Marina Circuit offers a different challenge.

"It's a fun track to drive, I like the twilight thing and I guess because it's the end of the season, it's even more enjoyable. We practice in the daylight but race at twilight which makes things more challenging.

"You generally don't look too much into the sunlight sessions because in the evenings, when it counts, the track cools down and the car changes so much. I wouldn't say they are wasted sessions but you do have to take them with a pinch of salt."

Ricciardo's only win of the season came at Azerbaijan. And the 28-year-old thinks he got a 'decent' chance to pick a win this weekend.

"When you have so much time away from the car in the off season it helps to sign off with a strong result as it makes you feel like you really deserve a break. I think we should have a strong car in Abu Dhabi. I said I want another win before the season is out and I think we have a decent chance of achieving that," he added.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com