Esteban Ocon wants more than P10 finishes

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The fact that Esteban Ocon is in his first full season of Grand Prix racing doesn't mean the Force India rookie should settle for less.

Most Formula 1 new-comers would be ecstatic about a track record which includes scoring points in the first three races of their maiden season.

But while happy with his opening salvo for 2017, Ocon also believes that when you leave a potential better result on the table, there's no reason to be completely satisfied.

"After three races in the points I’m feeling happy about my start to the season," said the 20-year-old.

"At the same time, I feel a bit of disappointment that we haven’t achieved more. With a bit more luck on my side, I would have come away from China and Bahrain with even more points.

"Finishing tenth three times in a row isn’t enough for me – I want more! "

In a nutshell: which tyres for the Russian GP?

Despite never have driven Sochi in an F1 car the Frenchman will still be in familiar territory in Russia.

"Sochi is quite a similar circuit to Bahrain with long straights and low-speed corners. It’s a track I know already, because I raced there in GP3, and it’s a nice challenge.

"I think turn three will feel really cool this year with the downforce we have in these cars and it’s going to be demanding for the front right tyre."

Ocon can only aim for more points next weekend, although where he will end up fighting in the mid-field battle is hard to foresee.

"Performance-wise it’s hard to predict where we will be. We had a good test in Bahrain after the race and we made some progress with the car, but the middle of the grid is very competitive.

"We have looked stronger in the races compared to qualifying and that’s why we have picked up points in all the races. Getting some more points remains the goal this weekend."

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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.