Gasly expecting a 'special feeling' to prevail at home race

©ToroRosso

Next weekend's French Grand Prix won't just be another race for Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly, as the young rookie expects special emotions to emerge when he takes to the track next weekend.

As an apprentice, the 22-year-old still has a lot to contend with, but racing on home soil for the very first time will undoubtedly help create a very special milestone in his memory.

"For me it will be absolutely incredible that my first full season of Formula 1 coincides with the return of a French Grand Prix to the calendar for the first time in ten years," says Gasly.

"That has to be a reason for me to be very happy and I’m really excited to be racing in my home country.

"I can tell it will be a special feeling going out on track and actually, I have spoken to Jean Alesi and Alain Prost about it and they both told me that it will feel really special and something that you really have to experience as a Frenchman racing in France."

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One would believe that with such a special occasion would come an extra dose of pressure. But Gasly believes the local support and fervor will provide him with his own little tail wind.

"I can’t wait to get to Le Castellet. I won’t feel under any pressure; on the contrary I think it will feel like extra support for me," he says.

"It’s a very good thing for all fans of motor sport in our country.

"The sport has always been part of our culture; there’s a French team and three French drivers so I hope this event will reboot interest in F1 here.

"I’m trying to do that too of course! I’ve had some success at this track in the past, winning in Formula 4 and Renault 2 litre and taken pole in the 3.5 category, finishing second," he adds.

"It’s a circuit where I have always gone well, either winning or at least getting on the podium, I really like it, so I hope we can get a very, very good result on this home track."

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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.