Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo is upbeat about his chances of a podium finish at next week’s Malaysian Grand Prix after a disappointing start to the season.

The Australian could only manage a sixth-placed finish at the season-opening Grand Prix on home soil last weekend.

It was a disappointing start to the 2015 campaign for the youngster, who finished his debut season with Red Bull third in the drivers’ standings last year.

Ricciardo complained of driveability issues after the race and team principal Christian Horner has echoed his frustrations, which stem from a Renault power unit.

However the Red Bull driver believes the team are ready and raring to go in the second race in Sepang on March 29.

Ricciardo said: “I’m feeling good coming into Malaysia, I know we have a lot of things to improve on and I’m optimistic that we can achieve some of those in Malaysia, which will give us some more performance.
I’m just hanging out waiting to drive now, but it’s good.

“The season has started now and I think if anyone had any first race jitters they’re gone and I think Malaysia should run a lot smoother for everyone.”

Ricciardo, who finished last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix in fifth, is priced at 41.00 to win the World Drivers’ Championship in 2015.