Perez raising his game thanks to Ocon

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Sergio Perez says that the performance and consistency of team mate Esteban Ocon has forced him to raise his game this season.

The tandem of Pink Panthers have enjoyed points-scoring finishes at every race this year with the Mexican lining up fourteen consecutive top-ten runs to the checkered flag.

But Perez is feeling the pressure from the man on the other side of the Force India garage as the highly rated Ocon continues to learn the ropes of F1.

"It's obviously good to have somebody different, different way of working, different way of driving," he said.

"I look at Esteban and see a lot of potential in him. He's doing a good job so far. Always he gives good feedback.

"He definitely knows what's going on and understands a lot of the sport. He's pushing me, so that's important to have that in a team-mate who is able to push you for the good of the team.

"I think he's on a good level already."

Force India hoping to hunt down Red Bull with upgrade

As for the 20-year-old Frenchman, his short-term ambition is to continue his progress and move up the ladder.

"We never know, everyone else could improve as well, but when we will improve the car maybe we can fight for that [top three]," Ocon said.

"At the moment we don't really have the pace for it. We have to just get the most out of what we have, first, and then I think we could have a lot more points already."

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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.