Why does Ocon just love Singapore's 'weird schedule'?

©WRI2

Esteban Ocon will be racing in familiar territory in Singapore where he'll tackle once again a circuit where he has raced before in his young career.

Just three points behind Sergio Perez in the drivers' standings, and shadowing his team mate's every move, Ocon will be looking to embellish further his remarkable 'points in every race except one' track record.

"There’s something special about Singapore," says the lanky pink panther.

"You race under the lights and the atmosphere is unique: it feels really glamorous and all the fans and guests are partying through the night during the race.

"On the other hand, it’s very hard physically. It’s hot and very humid, and you lose a lot of fluids when driving.

"It’s one of those places where everything needs to be perfect in the car, because you’ll struggle a lot if you’re not in the right position or there is something wrong with the seat. "

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"You try to prepare as best as you can for days like these; you train in hot places and try to maximise the performance of your body.

The 20-year-old Frenchman takes full advantage of the 6-hour time difference between Singapore and Europe and the offset schedule followed by the F1 paddock at Marina Bay by... sleeping as much as he can!

"The weird schedule doesn’t affect me. I like that we stick to European times: we wake up late, the days are shorter and you’re able to sleep a lot.

"It’s my favourite weekend schedule – I am someone who sleeps a lot and in Singapore I can get my 12 hours per night!

"The lap has some really interesting sections. For a street circuit, it’s very fast, but my favourite part is the twisty part in the middle of the lap, where you’re so close to the wall all the time.

"There are a lot of beautiful buildings next to the track and when they are all lit up at night the place looks very beautiful."

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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.