Annoyed Ocon rues missed qualifying opportunity

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Force India's Esteban Ocon was visibly unhappy at the end of his Saturday evening qualifying run in Abu Dhabi which leaves him P9 on tomorrow's grid.

A top ten result has been the norm for Ocon and his team this season, but the Frenchman still rued a missed opportunity to do better than ninth, whereas team mate Sergio Perez ended his session eighth.

"I had the pace to go P7 definitely," said a clearly annoyed Ocon.

Bottas beats Hamilton to pole in Abu Dhabi

"For different reasons we are not there, but it's okay. It’s only Saturday and the race is what really counts. I want to make a good start, jump ahead of a few cars and end the season with a strong result."

omorrow I can do a good start and maybe jump them so we'll see."

Oddly, Ocon was mum on why he felt frustrated by his result, but Sky F1 alluded to a possible on-track encounter with Valtteri Bottas which may have impeded the Force India driver and drawn his ire.

"I'm not going to tell the reason, it's going to stay inside but it's a reason we have to solve so it doesn't happen anymore."

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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.