Australia’s smiling ‘race burglar’ strikes again

MOTOR RACING THE smile was broader than ever as Daniel Ricciardo savoured a surprise Chinese Grand Prix victory in his own inimitable fashion on Sunday.

After chugging champagne out of his sweaty boot in a trademark “shoey” celebration as watching mechanics cheered, the beaming and slightly tearful Australian contemplated an as- tonishing turn of events.

“Holy Testicle Tuesday,” the 28-year-old said when asked what his reaction would have been had someone suggested in winter testing that Red Bull would win a race before champions Mercedes this season.

“A week ago I was with my head down after two laps on Sunday. Frustrated at the sport, frustrated at all the variables that are involved,” he said.

“But then when you have a day like this it’s worth 50 of those bad ones.”

Ricciardo was forced out of last weekend’s Bahrain race after two laps due to a problem with his power unit’s electronics. It was a race he had expected to challenge for the win.

In the season-opener in Melbourne, he was slapped with a grid penalty that took away any hope of winning in front of his home crowd. He finished fourth instead.

It looked like Ricciardo was set for another disappointing weekend in China after a blown engine in Saturday’s final practice session almost caused him to miss qualifying.

Only a miracle by his mechanics allowed him to qualify sixth, putting Ricciardo in the right place at the right time to capitalise on the safety car that swung the race Red Bull’s way.

“Opportunity be knocking,” agreed Ricciardo. “We didn’t think we were going to get out in qualifying and, just over 24 hours later, now to be here ... this sport’s crazy.”

Sunday’s win was the sixth of Ricciardo’s career and all have been characterised by breathtaking, sometimes hairy manoeuvres, with the win taken from under the noses of others. British commentator and former racer Martin Brundle described him as “the racing burglar” after Sunday’s exploits.