Ocon pushing for maiden podium finish

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Esteban Ocon will launch his race from the second row tomorrow, the bit firmly between his teeth as the Force India driver targets his very first podium finish.

The French driver enjoyed a consistent and combative qualifying session, just edging out team mate Sergio Perez by 0.002s to secure his spot in the Q3 top-ten shootout.

In treacherous conditions, Ocon ended the afternoon fifth fastest but is elevated to third on the grid thanks to the grid penalty-linked demotion of the Red Bull pair of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.

"It’s amazing," said Ocon. "That’s what the team deserves, they work so hard on every aspect. To get that P3 is something amazing.

"The car was brilliant today, a perfect balance, and I managed to push it to the limit. Now we have to keep P3 in the race – I want my podium!

Hamilton clinches pole record in rain-hit Monza qualifying

"I adjusted the car [for the conditions] but it will work in the dry like it did on Friday, so starting from there we have a big opportunity ahead and we need to keep our head down to get it."

Ocon admitted that he drew upon his wet weather experience in his formative years to master the day's conditions, thoroughly enjoying his rainy day.

"I've been growing up with the rain and it's fantastic to see that in a Formula 1 car I can still manage to do good stuff.

"The team have put so much effort to get those results, and now we start third. I will go give them a big hug right now!"

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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.