Force India progress warrants 'good points' in Spain - Ocon

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Given Force India's ambitions and on the back of the team's performance in Baku, Esteban Ocon won't settle for anything less than a good bag of points in Barcelona.

The Frenchman lucked out in Azerbaijan, sidelined at the outset after a terminal first lap clash with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

It was a bitter blow for Ocon after a good performance in qualifying, when he edged out team mate Sergio Perez for P7.

"It was disappointing not to finish the race in Baku, especially since we had such strong pace," said Ocon in his team's Spanish Grand Prix preview.

"I know this is how racing goes sometimes and you have to learn from it and look ahead.

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"Heading to Spain really feels like coming home after all the long flights in the first part of the year.

"Barcelona is probably the track I know the most – it’s the first track I drove in single seaters at the start of my career.

"We test a lot there so we know the place well and we get our hospitality buildings back so it feels much more like a familiar environment."

In addition to the familiar turf he'll be racing on, the 21-year-old pink panther will also take in the particular atmosphere associated with this weekend's venue which is almost a home race for him.

"Barcelona itself is wonderful: it’s a place that feels young with a relaxed atmosphere and the weather is amazing," added Ocon.

"Part of my family lives in the city and it’s very close to where I was training this winter, so I know the place by heart now.

"Last year we did really well there; the pace was good all over the weekend and we raced really well. We have been making good progress with the car recently so we have to target some good points."

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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.