Esteban Ocon enjoys best career quali in Baku

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Esteban Ocon was as usual hot on the heels of Force India team mate in qualifying for this weekend's the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The young French driver continues to accumulate experience and progress on his learning at an unabated pace.

"It’s the best qualifying position in my career and I am very happy about how the session went," Ocon said.

"I made a tiny mistake on my fastest lap and that probably cost me a position, but as a team we have been improving every step of the way.

Ocon pulled out all the stops in quali, often placing his pink VJM-10 on the ragged edge around Baku's treacherous lay-out but without ever going beyond.

"Today was all about pushing to the limit: I brushed the wall three times, something I didn’t do yesterday, but I wanted to give everything today.

"We are in a strong position for tomorrow’s race and we know anything can happen here. It’s a tight track and very tricky to get right.

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Force India's pink panther believes there could be much to gain in the races opening lap tomorrow but consistency - one of the 20-year-old's fortes - will also be an asset.

"A strong first lap will be crucial, but the most important thing will be to finish the race. If you get to the end here, you can score big points.

"Our pace is good and I am confident we can get a good result."

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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.