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Ricciardo admits to Lotus 'chance'

Red Bull-backed Daniel Ricciardo drove in 11 races for HRT in 2011 © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Daniel Ricciardo
• |
• Jarno Trulli

• Teams:
• Team Lotus
• |
• Toro Rosso

Daniel Ricciardo admits there is a chance he could drive for Lotus - to become Caterham - in 2012 as a replacement for Jarno Trulli.

After making his grand prix debut for HRT this season it was expected that Ricciardo would get a Toro Rosso drive next year, but his future is uncertain as both Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi have enjoyed strong seasons. Ricciardo admitted that the impression he has got is that there won't be a seat available at Toro Rosso, but that he may get another drive in 2012.

"At the moment it seems like Toro Rosso are going to stay with who they've got," Ricciardo told the West Australian. "It wasn't put down 100 per cent, but it was the wording I was making out.

"There's a good chance if I'm on the grid next year it's going to be with another non-Red Bull outfit, but I guess the good news is I'm still contracted by Red Bull. They've agreed to continue with me."

The most likely option appears to be Lotus. With the team using Red Bull gearboxes and KERS next season, rumours have grown stronger that Ricciardo will replace Jarno Trulli despite the latter having a contract, and Ricciardo admitted it was a possibility.

"I would like to say there's a chance, but at least for me that's probably all it is for now, just a chance. It would be a step up from this year, so it's not really a bad thing. I doubt they'll still be able to fight for points next year. They'll still be towards the further end, but I think they're progressing well. If Kovalainen was to be my team-mate, it's someone very good to measure up to. He's won a grand prix before and he's smashed Trulli this year."

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