'It all feels cool': Home hero Ricciardo raring to go at Renault

Daniel Ricciardo says he's growing happier by the day at new team Renault, but warned home fans in Melbourne this week not to expect fireworks from their Formula One hero, at least not yet.

The seven-time grand prix winner stunned the paddock by ditching Red Bull after five years for a "fresh start" and said he was raring to go for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at the weekend.

"We had a good winter test, I'm growing happier every time I step into the car and the first race will be especially exciting," said the Perth-born Ricciardo, whose contract with Renault is reportedly worth almost three times what he was getting at Red Bull.

"I feel comfortable within the team. Walking through the garage, stepping into the car all feels cool and real now." Ninth in the constructors' championship on their return as a team to Formula One in 2016 after taking over Lotus, Renault improved to sixth in 2017 and were fourth last season.

But Ricciardo is cautious about the team's chances of making inroads into the dominance of the top three -- Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.

- 'We're chipping away' -
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"We're looking forward to seeing them showcasing their experience and talent on the track. The added momentum of the Daniel-Nico partnership brings confidence to the team this season."