Ricciardo to test Red Bull at Young Drivers Test

Daniel Ricciardo’s chances of joining Red Bull next season have strengthened after the team announced that he will be testing the RB9 at this week’s Young Drivers’ Test.

Ricciardo, along with Vergne and Raikkonen are in prime contention for the second seat at Red Bull next season. With the Austrian team deciding to give only Ricciardo a chance to test the RB9, it gives a clear hint that he now has an upper hand over his Toro Rosso teammate Jean Eric Vergne. However, this doesn’t not guarantee that he will be racing for Red Bull in 2014 – the team would still be evaluating his performance.

Red Bull Racing’s test driver Felix Da Costa will be driving during the opening sessions on Wednesday and Thursday before handling duties to Ricciardo and Webber respectively in the afternoon session.Meanwhile Carlos Sainz Jr, who is currently driving in GP3 will share duties with Sebastian Vettel on the final day of Young Drivers Test.

Red Bull Test scheduleWednesday – Antonio Felix da Costa (morning), Daniel Ricciardo (afternoon)Thursday – Antonio Felix da Costa (morning), Mark Webber (afternoon)Friday – Carlos Sainz Jr. (morning), Sebastian Vettel (afternoon).