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Bold Ocon just loves Montreal's most feared spot

There's one specific and challenging spot at Montreal's track that is feared by many, but enjoyed by Force India's Esteban Ocon.

From its high-speed sections to its fierce braking areas, from its unpredictable weather to its difficult corners, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers a diverse set of challenges, but none more difficult than its infamous 'Wall of Champions'.

The unforgiving chicane at the end of the 4.3km layout has caught the bold and the mighty over the course of its 30-year history, and almost every year someone puts their mark on the outside wall of the treacherous right-left corner.

Oddly, this is precisely Ocon's favourite spot at the venue.

"The Montreal circuit is definitely one of my favourite tracks and it’s a fantastic event," says the Force India driver.

"I always say I like chicanes and that’s almost all you have in Montreal. It’s a challenging and very technical track and I really enjoy driving on it.

"My favourite corner is the final chicane, with the Wall of Champions so close to you. It’s a very tricky corner and it’s very easy to get it wrong."

Last year, the Canadian Grand Prix kicked off the epic inner-team rivalry between Ocon and team mate Sergio Perez. The Mexican came out on top, with the pair finishing 5th and 6th, but only after ignoring a request from his team to let Ocon through.

©WRI

Since then, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge at the pink outfit where a harmonious relationship prevails once again between the two drivers.

"Last year we had a really good weekend in Montreal, fighting with the Ferraris and coming away with a good result," the Frenchman remembers.

"We seem to do well on tracks like this so hopefully we can continue to score points and keep our momentum going."

And Ocon's momentum was sparked by his solid drive and sixth-place finish in Monaco last week, a level of performance he hopes to sustain in Canada.

"I am feeling very happy after Monaco. It’s great to finally get a good result after a few difficult races and I feel my season has only truly started now," he says.

"We have taken some good steps forward since the start of the season and I am looking forward to more races like the one we had in Monaco."

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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.

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