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Ricciardo sure he could take fight to Vettel at Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo: "I would love to get the opportunity to prove to everyone that I have what it takes" © Getty Images

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Daniel Ricciardo is not letting himself get too excited about the prospect of racing for Red Bull next year, but says if he does he believes he can hold his own against Sebastian Vettel.

Ricciardo is still the favourite to replace Mark Webber next year, but in Belgium Red Bull stressed that a deal has not yet been signed. Webber announced his retirement at Silverstone in June and since then Ricciardo has been at the centre of speculation while trying to prove himself at his current team, Toro Rosso.

"Until something is done I'm not getting too excited," he told the Daily Telegraph. "Then if it doesn't happen I won't kill myself."

However, he believes he is up to the task of taking the fight to Vettel.

"I am definitely aware that if I do get the opportunity to race alongside [Vettel], it is not going to be easy," he said. "But I would love to get the opportunity to prove to everyone that I have what it takes - and more than that, to know for myself that I can mix it with the big guys. If I can't, well, at least I can say I tried. But I believe I can."

Webber has only once given Vettel a run for his money in the title chase during his Red Bull career, in 2010, and at times has complained about a perceived inequality. However, Ricciardo is not concerned about the way Red Bull manages its drivers.

"I guess I only know what you guys know," he added. "Malaysia this year, Silverstone a couple of years ago. But it's not something that I'm concerned with. From what I hear the team is very much interested in equality."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.