Ricciardo hopeful as Hamilton and Rosberg resume battle in Singapore

Daniel Ricciardo is ready to challenge for the top step on the podium as Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg continue their championship battle at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ricciardo has finished on the podium four times this season, with three of those coming in the past four races.

Despite a fifth-place finish last time out at Monza, the Australian driver is confident he can push his Red Bull towards a first win of the season under the floodlights on the streets of Singapore.

Hamilton and Rosberg, who is set to appear in his 200th grand prix, will be keen to thwart Ricciardo’s plans, however, with just two points separating the Mercedes duo in the race for the title.

Having finished behind his team-mate at the two races since the mid-season break, Hamilton will be desperate to get back on top in Asia.

History favours him, having won in Singapore in 2009 and 2014, while Rosberg is yet to taste victory on the peninsula.

NO PRESSURE FOR HOPEFUL RICCIARDO

Ricciardo’s best performance on the season came across the weekend at Monaco, where only a pit-stop blunder cost him a potential shot at the win, and he is eager to prosper on a similar circuit this weekend.

“It’s obviously the next closest track to Monaco, so sure we look at it as a good chance to try to get the victory I’ve been after this season,” he said.

“I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself or them for this weekend but I think deep down we obviously want to win. I believe we are a group of winners, so if there is a bit of pressure on us to get it done then I think we will thrive off that.

“Let’s see what happens. I’m definitely prepared and excited.”

MERCEDES RELATIONS “NEUTRAL” AS RACE HEATS UP

Despite comfortably leading the drivers’ and constructors’ standings, it’s been a tumultuous season at times for Mercedes.

Tempestuous relations between Hamilton and Rosberg have translated to the track – most notably when they collided in Barcelona and both had to retire as a result.

“We have a neutral relationship,” Rosberg told CNBC, before adding: “That’s what I do racing for, for battles like that, and Lewis, of course, is the world champion.

“He’s one of the best out there [and] it’s great to go up against him.”

This weekend @nico_rosberg starts an #F1 race for the 200th time

It’s been quite a ride already #SingaporeGP