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Ocon aiming for points, at every race!

Esteban Ocon kick-started his career as a Grand Prix driver with Manor last season, but the quality of his Force India drive this year incites the Frenchman to aim for points, at every race!

A Mercedes protege who was also courted by Renault in the recent past, Ocon finds himself in a convenient place with Vijay Mallya's outfit, the fourth best team on the grid in 2016.

But likewise, Force India is expecting Ocon to perform at the same level as the talented Nico Hulkenberg, the man he has replaced.

"I have to deliver straight away," Ocon told Formula1.com.

" The team wants me to replace Nico (Hulkenberg) - and that includes results. So no time to get up to speed - I have to get up to speed straight away.

"Hence the good preparation with the team over the winter. In the end results translate into more funds - and that means a better, faster car. It is that simple."

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Racing on a par with Hulkenberg is a tall order for Ocon but one he believes he can feel. It also entails another obligation: scoring points on a consistent basis.

"My personal target would be to score points at every race. That would be pretty cool. Melbourne is the place where everybody unleashes his machine, so we will see what the reality check is.

"I have a super feeling about the VJM10. The balance is right and the Mercedes engine is simply the best, also when it comes to reliability. So let’s see if I can trust my feelings."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.