‘Absolutely’: Supercars’ ‘special’ plan to sign Ricciardo

Supercars boss Shane Howard has voiced his desire to lure Daniel Ricciardo to Australia’s premier motorsport category, saying he plans to reach out to the axed Formula 1 star’s management in due time.
Last week, Ricciardo’s F1 team RB confirmed that the West Australian would be replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.
The axing ultimately draws the curtains on Ricciardo’s seesawing career in the sport.
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Supercars champion Jamie Whincup and Daniel Ricciardo in 2016. Mark Thompson via Getty Images
Speaking at the championship’s launch for this year’s Bathurst 1000, Howard said the competition would welcome Ricciardo with “open arms” — and has a plan to entice the eight-time grand prix winner into one of their cars.
Throughout his F1 career, Ricciardo spoke of his interest in trying other motorsport categories and events, including Australia’s most iconic race at Mount Panorama.
However, it remains to be seen if the 35-year-old wants to get back behind the wheel post-F1.
Ricciardo indicated after his final race in Singapore that he would likely step away from the limelight for the rest of this year to work out his next step.
Despite his sacking, Red Bull has offered Ricciardo an ambassadorial role.
But with no racing involved, Ricciardo has previously stated there “isn’t much point” in returning.
Daniel Ricciardo has been offered an ambassadorship with Red Bull, similar to his role following his split from McLaren. AP
Supercars is committed to attracting Ricciardo and Howard believes the introduction of a new Perth street race to the Supercars calendar from 2026 may be enough to win him over.
“I think everyone would welcome Daniel with open arms, absolutely,” Howard told media on Monday.
“Would we like to see Daniel Ricciardo in a Supercar? One-hundred per cent.
“Just imagine if he could be in one of our cars and race in a new street race in Perth, that would be something special, wouldn’t it?
“It would be absolutely massive. He is such an incredible driver and such an incredible personality and people just absolutely love him.
“Imagine him racing at Bathurst, wow. That would be very cool indeed.”
Daniel Ricciardo during the Singapore Grand Prix.  Getty
Howard said the category would touch base with Ricciardo’s team once things had settled down.
“At an appropriate time we would reach out to Daniel and his management,” he said.
“Obviously he has got a lot going on and we respect that.
“Blake Friend in his management team used to work for us [at Supercars].
“At the right time, we would reach out, but we would certainly like to have him in one of our cars, 100 per cent we would.”