Ocon on the look-out on Sunday for maiden podium

Esteban Ocon knows a podium finish in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix will be hard to come by if circumstances don't lend a helping hand, but the Force India driver will nevertheless give it his best shot.

The Frenchman will launch his race from sixth on the grid, after a solid and drama-free run in qualifying Saturday afternoon.

"I’m feeling very happy. Today we showed our strength as a team and we are sixth on the grid in Monaco," said the delighted pink panther.

"It’s the most important qualifying session of the year and we have a great opportunity to score good points tomorrow.

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"The team has done so much work to improve the car by bringing updates to each race and it’s really paying off.

"My lap in Q3 didn’t feel like my best of the weekend, but the car was working well and the lap time was there.

"I’m not getting carried away because there is a long way to go tomorrow. We still need to do a good job in the race, stay out of trouble and bring the car home."

On the prospects of finally achieving that elusive first podium finish, Ocon isn't expecting it will be delivered on a silver platter, but he believes he's well-placed to take advantage of a lucky break should it come his way.

"It's always in my dream, that podium," he admits.

"Of course, if nothing happens it's going to be very hard but we are in a perfect position to think about it."

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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.