Ricciardo: "I can become F1 world champion at Renault"

VIDEO SHOWS: RENAULT FORMULA ONE UNVEIL NEW LIVERY FOR 2019, INTERVIEW WITH DRIVER DANIEL RICCIARDO SHOWS: ENSTONE, ENGLAND, UK (FEBRUARY 12, 2019) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1.

RENAULT LIVERY FOR 2019 UNVEILED BY DRIVERS DANIEL RICCIARDO AND NICO HULKENBERG 2.

DRIVERS ON STAGE WITH CAR 3.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) RENAULT DRIVER DANIEL RICCIARDO SAYING: "As a race car driver, it's not always easy thinking long term because you want to win yesterday.

But yes the long term goal is to be world champ, that's still really the main reason why I'm in F1.

I definitely still believe I can do it and I believe that long term this is the place that can do it for me so that's the big target and why I'm here." STORY: Hand on heart, and kitted out in new black and yellow overalls, Daniel Ricciardo says it feels right to be with Renault and believes his dream to become a Formula One world champion can be realised at the French team.

The smiling Australian, a seven times race winner with Red Bull, is preparing for a new chapter in his Formula One career at a team eager to get back to the top after returning as constructors in 2016.

His decision was not an easy one, with plenty of nights spent agonising before he made his mind up on a flight from London to Los Angeles last August, but he has no doubts about the move.

The Australian's relaxed and bubbly personality, and laughing manner, have already put a spring in the step of his new team mates.

Renault Sport Racing managing director Cyril Abiteboul told reporters that Ricciardo could be the spark needed to ignite the team on track.

His German teammate Nico Hulkenberg is also looking forward to testing his skills against a man he calls 'one of the best out there." Ricciardo said his dream was to do at Renault, world champions in 2005 and 2006, what five times world champion Lewis Hamilton has achieved with Mercedes after his well-timed move from McLaren but admits that it may take some time.