Ocon hoping for race conditions that 'can mix things up'

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Esteban Ocon wants either blistering heat or a downpour this afternoon at Paul Ricard to boost his chances of a good result in the French Grand Prix.

The Force India driver missed out on a spot in Q3 by a very narrow margin, but hailed the improvements achieved by the team after a difficult day of running on Friday.

"I am a bit disappointed to miss out on the top ten by such a small margin [0.02s], but I am happy about my lap and how we came back as a team from a difficult Friday," said Ocon.

"We came into qualifying a bit blind after missing track time yesterday, but we were able to improve the car a lot and found a good balance.

"P11 is the next best thing to a place in Q3 and at least we will have free choice of tyres."

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Force India's resident pink panther is looking to the skies for some support on Sunday, but also appreciates the fervor effusing from the grandstands.

"Hopefully it’s going to be very hot tomorrow and the strategy can play in our hands, or perhaps it’s going to rain – I’d welcome anything that can mix things up," said the local hero.

"I have to thank the fans for all their support.

"I could see them with their flags and it was a special feeling to drive in front of my home crowd."

Ocon's team mate, Sergio Perez will line up P13, just behind the Frenchman, on Sunday's grid. The Mexican believes he could have done better on Saturday if his timing had been optimized.

"We could have been much further up the grid. I think we were unlucky with the conditions because we were expecting more rain towards the end of Q2," said Checo.

"I went out too early and did my laps, and then the track improved.

"We need to see what happens with the weather tomorrow because if it’s wet it will open up some opportunities."

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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.