Ricciardo to drive new Toro Rosso first

Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed that he will be the first to drive Toro Rosso's new car, with the Australian set to debut the STR8 chassis at the opening pre-season test in Jerez. Entering his second full season in the sport alongside Jean-Eric Vergne, the 23-year-old from Perth is eager to make significant strides in 2013.

"I’ll be driving the first day, the fifth of February," Ricciardo explained. "So not long at all, three weeks I think – I can’t wait. It looks good of course; the team say everything is running to plan and on schedule, which is the first thing you want to hear.

"In terms of how the car’s going to perform, no one is really going to say too much until we’re out on the track. Even if they tell me it’s the best thing since sliced bread, I’m not going to get too excited until I drive it and feel comfortable. But we’ve got good expectations, definitely."

The first pre-season test of the year takes place at Jerez from 5-8 February.