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The Marina Bay Street Circuit's 23-turn layout presents
drivers with similar challenges to Formula One's most famous
track with its high downforce and slow pace giving Red Bull and
Ferrari an opportunity to compete on level terms with Mercedes.
"It's obviously the next closest track to Monaco, so we look at
it as a chance to try and get the victory I am after this
season," Ricciardo, who finished second from pole in Monte
Carlo, told reporters on Thursday.
"Since Monaco, a lot of things have been working better with the
team...I have left races feeling a lot happier," he added.
Ricciardo came second behind Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel in
Singapore a year ago as Mercedes struggled and after securing
three podiums in the last four races, the Australian has been
installed as one of the favorites for Sunday's grand prix.
"Let's see," he said. "I am not going to put too much pressure
on myself or the team for this weekend but deep down we want to
win.
"I believe we are a group of winners, so if there is a bit of
pressure on us to try and get it done this weekend then I think
we will thrive off that."
Ricciardo also shed some light on his quirky celebration of
drinking champagne from his shoe following his recent podium
finishes, drawing inspiration from a group of Australian
"fishermen and surfers" who introduced him to the 'shoey'.
"I think it's just a bit of fun now, everyone's enjoying it,"
the 27-year-old added with a grin.
"If the sparkling wine is cold, then it tastes good. Normally on
the podium, it's cold so you don't get all the flavors but if
it's warm, then you get the sweat and all that through it... but
the cold taste kills the bad stuff.
"So if I win then yeah, I will do it again but probably not for
a second or third now."
Ricciardo is third in the drivers' standings on 161 points after
14 rounds, behind the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton (250
points) and Nico Rosberg (248) with seven races remaining.
(Editing by Clare Lovell)
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