Perth’s own Daniel Ricciardo is hoping to reverse his fortunes at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend, as corporates pay top dollar to see the Aussie champ.
The boy from Duncraig’s best finish in his home GP is fourth, and he is yet to earn a point with his new RB Formula One Team this season.
“A home crowd, it’s something you cherish and enjoy,” he told 7NEWS.
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“I’ll definitely soak it in this weekend.”
Ricciardo spent the morning greeting fans and posing for selfies on the Melbourne Walk ahead of meeting the press.
The 34-year-old, who has been on the podium 32 times and won eight Grand Prix races, has started the season with a 13th place in Bahrain and a 16th finish in Saudi Arabia, drawing criticism from former F1 driver Alan Jones that his best is behind him.
Meanwhile, corporates have found the cash to splash out on Grand Prix tickets to see Ricciardo and the F1 action at Albert Park.
Corporate hospitality experiences costing $1550 to $4595 per person for the main race day or up to $6550 per person for two to three-day passes were almost sold out two weeks in advance, according to the Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller division.
Air travel data showed a 146 per cent jump in bookings around the four-day event compared with last year.
General admission tickets sold out within two hours.