Aussie Ricciardo prepares for Nurburgring

Daniel Ricciardo is out to tick the second box in his fledgling Formula One career in Germany this weekend.

The young West Australian successfully negotiated his maiden grand prix for Hispania Racing in England earlier this month and is now moving on to the second goal.

For the 22-year-old, on loan to Hispania from Red Bull, that means closing the gap on the field.

Ricciardo drove cautiously and kept out of trouble as he trundled home last at Silverstone and now aims higher.

He has to try to get a better handle on the tricky Pirelli tyres, which stablemate Mark Webber has also struggled with this year.

"I have learnt that there is a lot more to the tyres and managing them than I thought. For now this is one of the main things I need to learn quickly about," said Ricciardo, confident he will feel comfortable at the historic Nurburgring layout, where he has competed in lesser categories.

"I know the track reasonably well even if my worst souvenir was in 2008 when I raced in F3 Euro Series and I stalled on the start of the second race (of the weekend)," he said.

"But in the first race I finished sixth in the points.

"Recently, I drove there last month in the World Series by Renault. I had a great race there with Robert Wickens in dramatically changing weather conditions.

"I didn't win the battle, but it was still a great race because I enjoy the track so much."

The conditions might be a help for Ricciardo, with bad weather forecast for Sunday's German GP.

Source http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/aussie-ricciardo-prepares-for-nurburgring-20110722-1hsjo.html

Queensland's Darren Lockyer targets triumphant State of Origin finale

QUEENSLAND great Darren Lockyer will aim to steal a line off 'the King' in his State of Origin farewell tonight.

A packed Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane, is set to send off one of the Maroons' greatest servants, while NSW is out to play party poopers as they seek to capture a first series since 2005.

The home side is heavily favoured to win on its home turf, but Suncorp Stadium hasn't been a happy hunting ground when it comes to Origin deciders.

Queensland haven't won a decider at 'The Cauldron'' since 1991, the game which proved to be Wally Lewis Origin farewell.

Since then there have been three deciders at spiritual home of Queensland rugby league, with NSW winning two of them and the other in 1999 ending in a draw.

Lockyer will be out to ensure a winning send-off in his 36th game.

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NSW coach Ricky Stuart hopes to spoil the party, even if he says Lockyer deserves a triumphant farewell.

"He deserves a big send-off. That's the sort of person you stand and applaud in regards to what he has done for the game,'' Stuart said.

Stuart has done his best throughout the build-up to the pivotal clash to remove the 'Lockyer factor' from his players' thoughts.

This Blues camp has been about his side, with the team locked away from the prying eyes of the media and general public to ensure his players retain their focus.

From naming a 20-man squad to failing to reveal the make-up of his final 17 to a secret training session on match eve, Stuart has gone to great lengths to shield his squad.

And all while attempting to convince them there is no pressure on them heading into tonight's blockbuster.

"We're not expected to win this and there's no pressure on us about winning,'' Stuart said.

"We just need to play a good game of football to try and be in the competition.

"They've got the best players in the world which is why they should win the match.''

Source http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/queenslands-darren-lockyer-targets-triumphant-state-of-origin-finale/story-e6frg7mf-1226089028435