AUSTRALIA'S next hope for formula one stardom Daniel Ricciardo is guardedly confident that he will have a better car backed by a stronger team this year. The 23-year-old told Fairfax Media in an exclusive interview he is hopeful Toro Rosso will have a car quick enough to regularly finish in the top 10 right from the first race at Albert Park on March 17.

''I do believe it's a step up from last year,'' he said after the second pre-season test in Barcelona during the week. ''Everything is moving in the right direction and there's a good vibe in the team. It's looking all right, but I don't want to get too excited and then be disappointed, so I'm trying to stay realistic and not too optimistic for now.''

Daniel Ricciardo: Confident for 2013 and battling his teammate. Credit:Getty Images

In his second full season of F1, Ricciardo is driving against French teammate Jean-Eric Vergne to be in contention to join Red Bull Racing if Mark Webber retires or leaves.

''I think in any season if you're not performing there's always that risk that it could over. But I'm still only 23 and I feel like my F1 career is just starting, so the last thing on my mind is to let it end. I have a lot at stake, but obviously a lot to fight for as well and a lot of motivation to make sure I stay here and continue my career.''

Vergne, who also spoke to Fairfax Media, admits the friendship he and Ricciardo have shared since teenagers had cooled as a natural product of intense competition.