DANIEL'S VIENNESE WALTZ

April 24, 2015 by Infiniti

VIENNA, Austria – After the sequence of season-opening fly-aways, Formula One has two weeks downtime to regroup ahead of the first European round of the season – but that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities to see and hear the cars in action. The Red Bull Live Demo team criss-crosses the globe, taking F1 to places it doesn't usually go – though surprisingly often it winds up in Austria. Funny that.

Yesterday it was Daniel Ricciardo in the hot seat, putting the RB8 through its paces in an arena constructed in front of the historic Vienna Rathaus. A crowd of 60,000 turned up to cheer on Daniel, as he roared around the purpose-built arena during his three runs, laying down rubber and displaying his mastery in the noble art of donut.

'The thing about driving in the city is that obviously the roads are a lot dirtier than a racetrack,' said Ricciardo. 'There's lots more dust and it's very slippery – but that just makes it better for events like this because we can really spin the tires and create a bit more of a show for the fans.'

Daniel's efforts were supported by enduro and trials rider (and Live Demo regular) Chris Pfeiffer, putting on a terrific display of two-wheel stunts. Also on the bill was Pierre Gasly, fresh from his GP2 debut in Bahrain, making a slightly unfamiliar NASCAR dance and skip, wheels squealing and smoke pouring from the arches as he spun it first anticlockwise and then – just for the novelty value – clockwise.

While the Live Demo team really don't need a reason to put on a show, the event took place to publicize the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. Among those in attendance were Gerhard Berger, Dr. Helmut Marko and Niki Lauda.

'The event went really well – the backdrop was amazing,' concluded Ricciardo. 'We've been to some pretty cool places, but this is definitely one at the top of the list. Hopefully it gave the fans who came out a small taster of what they can expect at Spielberg in June.'

The event ended with a live concert and everyone went home happy – hopefully thinking about a trip to Styria in two months' time. Of course, there's a few races to contest before our thoughts turn to the home race – and first on the list is our annual May date at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, home of the Spanish Grand Prix.