91Èȱ¬

Daniel Ricciardo says he is looking forward to learning from world champion Sebastian Vettel when he joins him at Red Bull next season.

The Australian, 24, will replace compatriot Mark Webber, who is joining Porsche's sportscar team, in 2014.

"I am really excited to see how I go up against Seb obviously as one of, if not the best in the world," said Ricciardo.

"I have got a lot to learn from him but I am anxious and curious to see how close I can get."

Ricciardo, 24, has already been told by team principal Christian Horner he is expected to challenge Vettel next season.

And the Australian continued: "He will be a great team-mate to really measure myself against and it will be great to see how he works.

"Hopefully I can push him earlier than people may think."

Ricciardo is in his second season with Torro Rosso and secured his best finish at the Chinese Grand Prix in April, finishing seventh.

His form saw him asked to test for Red Bull and his fine performances played a big part in the decision to name him as Webber's replacement.

"Daniel has really earned his place in the team," Horner told 91Èȱ¬ Radio 5 live earlier in the week.

"He tested really impressively with us earlier in the summer and obviously we have been keeping a close eye on his performances in Torro Rosso, therefore it was logical to give him a drive."

Ricciardo added: "I have no reason not to be happy for next year. I have one of the best seats in Formula 1, for me it's a great time in my life.

"For now I am very happy. But if we get to maybe four or five races into next season and I am getting well beaten then I won't be very happy, but right now I have everything to be happy about."