Daniel Ricciardo hopes for Caterham option

Red Bulll starlet Daniel Ricciardo has hinted he may be in the frame for a Formula One race seat at Hingham's Caterham outfit next season.

The 22-year-old Australian saw out the second half of last season with HRT at the back of the grid, ahead of a hoped-for move to Toro Rosso for 2012.

However, Red Bull's sister team are set to keep faith with Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi – leaving Ricciardo still searching for a team with which to continue his development.

Red Bull chiefs and Tony Fernandes, team principal of the former Team Lotus constructor, have reportedly held discussions over Ricciardo – who would fight with veteran Italian Jarno Trulli for a place on the grid alongside Heikki Kovalainen.

'At the moment it seems like Toro Rosso are going to stay with who they've got,' said Ricciardo. 'It wasn't put down 100 per cent, but it was the wording I was making out.

'There's a good chance if I'm on the grid next year it's going to be with another non-Red Bull outfit, but I guess the good news is I'm still contracted by Red Bull. They've agreed to continue with me.'

On the Caterham rumours, Ricciardo told the West Australian: 'I would like to say there's a chance, but at least for me that's probably all it is for now, just a chance.

'It would be a step up from this year, so it's not really a bad thing. I doubt they'll still be able to fight for points next year. They'll still be towards the further end, but I think they're progressing well.

'If Kovalainen was to be my team-mate, it's someone very good to measure up to. He's won a grand prix before and he's smashed Trulli this year.'