Daniel Ricciardo is refusing to change his approach to the latest round of the British Formula 3 Championship in Portugal as he sits on the cusp of winning the 2009 title.

With just four races remaining this season, the Australian needs to score at least the same as his closest championship rivals to secure another title for the Carlin Motorsport team.

Currently 45 points ahead of Hitech's Walter Grubmuller, Ricciardo is looking forward to competing at the Portimao circuit, but insists he will treat the weekend as any other.

“I'm not changing anything about my approach this weekend. I feel confident, but mainly I'm just looking forward to racing on a great track, with the added challenge of racing against some of the F3 Euro Series drivers.

“I think I respond well to pressure and a challenge, so I'm looking forward to racing against new drivers this weekend. It's the kind of track that should suit my driving style and our car well.”

Meanwhile, Carlin will expand to five drivers for the final two rounds of the season after signing Joe Ghanem to compete in the National Class. The Lebanese driver will compete in the car that took Alvaro Parente to the 2005 British Formula 3 title.

“I'm really excited to be back with Carlin and racing again in the UK. The F3 car is such a nice car and I think the British F3 Series can prepare a driver for anything.

"These two races will be a learning ground for me and training for my 2010 season. Hopefully I can be fighting at the front of the National Class, but it is most important get race miles and learn a lot.”