Aussie Formula One driver, Daniel Riccardio's season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix bid predictably ended in disaster following the week of mishaps that preceded it.The West Australian's engine failed on lap 29 forcing him out of the race. Prior to that he was hit with a five spot grid penalty for a gearbox change after smashing his car in qualifying. The perfect shit storm was rounded out during the formation lap on race day when his car got stuck in sixth gear and had to be towed back to the pits.
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It forced Ricciardo to start the race two laps down from pit lane, working his way into 17th place before his car conked out for the final time."Sorry mate, car is done, let's get the f*** out of here," Ricciardo told his Red Bull team over the car radio as the engine failed.The race was one by German Ferrari driver, Sebastian Vettel, with Brit Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) in second and Finland's Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) in third. Ricciardo, who finished third overall in last year's Championship, was quick to bury the result and look to the next stage in Shanghai on April 9th."On the plus side I'm getting out of here. It's been a long week,'' Ricciardo said."Don't get me wrong, it's been fun, but I feel bad for everyone, bad for the fans. I believe there is more people here supporting me than the others and I'm sure they would have loved me to get out and race.