Mallya highly optimistic and Latifi ecstatic before Montreal

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Force India boss Vijay Mallya sees many reasons to be optimistic before next weekend's Canadian Grand Prix where the team aims to keep up the momentum sparked by Esteban Ocon in Monaco.

The Silverstone-based squad left the Principality with a solid sixth-place finish in its bag thanks to the French driver, and Mallya believes the result nicely sets up his team for the seventh round of the F1 world championship.

"We prepare for Montreal feeling confident of another strong showing," he said in the team's Canadian GP preview.

"I remember our performance there last year and I think we will be competitive again. Esteban is on a high after his excellent drive in Monaco and we’re starting to score some good points.

Mallya steps down as a director at Force India

"I’m pleased with the car developments we have made recently. We got both cars into Q3 which shows the progress we have made bringing more pace to the car.

"Montreal has traditionally played to our strengths so there’s plenty to be optimistic about as we head to Canada."

While Force India will obviously rely on Ocon and Sergio Perez to deliver the goods around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Friday morning's first free practice session will see reserve and development driver Nicholas Latifi take to the track.

The 22-year-old Canadian isn't quite a local hero yet, but the opportunity to perform on home soil has the rookie all revved up.

"I have no doubt that driving in the FP1 at my home Grand Prix will be one of the biggest highlights of my year!" said Latifi.

"As much as I will be looking to enjoy the opportunity I know I am there to do a job for the team.

"I’m hoping to give them as much valuable feedback as possible to help push along the program going into FP2."

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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.