A week after the Tuscan Grand Prix, Formula 1 is all set to jump into action. The F1 circus travels to Russia for the 10th race of this season. And it seems like the Sochi tracks are already giving Daniel Ricciardo the nightmares. His streak in Sochi is not something to be proud of, however, he’ll be looking forward to redeeming himself this time.

The Australian racer has gained significant experience over the years. The 31-year-old is aware of the curse he carries and seems confident yet cautious about Sochi.

“I want to keep up the points-scoring run. My race was pretty short in Sochi last year with a bit of Turn 4 chaos. I think after that race, I remember quite vividly thinking, ‘We have to do better in qualifying, so we are not in the midfield’,” he said.

“It wasn’t my strongest weekend last year with qualifying, so it’s something I want to put emphasis on this year, to try and get on top of the track. It’s never been my strongest circuit and there are still some tricks for me to learn on it.

“I’m looking forward to going back and trying to figure it out.”

Daniel Ricciardo aims to turn back the statistics

Ricciardo’s nightmare is no myth. With a handful of retirements and most finishes beyond the 10th mark, Russia and Ricciardo share a bitter relationship.

However, the Australian is having a decent season with 53 points across 9 races. Three 4th place finishes saw him coming close to the podium, however, he lost out due to a general lack of power on the final stretch.

Going to Sochi, Ricciardo is confident, yet a certain sense of pressure will surround him. His team is aware of his prolific form and will be keeping certain expectations from the Honeybadger.

It is to be seen whether Ricciardo continues his struggle or rises above his shortcomings to notch yet another spectacular race.