Sauber's Leclerc heads to his second favourite track

©Sauber

It's hardly surprising that Charles Leclerc would choose Monaco as his favourite track, but the Red Bull Ring in Austria is a very close second in the Sauber driver's list.

The massively talented Sauber rookie heads to Austria with another impressive points-scoring race in his wake following his tenth-place finish at Paul Ricard last weekend.

Given his current form, his predisposition for the Red Bull Ring venue and the steady progress of his team's C37, the Monegasque may well make it five runs in the top ten out of six races next Sunday.

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"I really look forward to racing in Austria. The Red Bull Ring is my favourite track, next to the one in Monaco," admits Leclerc.

"It is very small, but has a special rhythm to it that I really like. There are a lot of fans there to support us and many events taking place around the track, which gives the weekend a special feel."

Austria's relatively short layout doesn't mean the circuit is void of any challenges. Leclerc describes his favourite spots.

"In terms of driving, my favourite parts of the circuit are the two last corners.

"The team has been doing a great job in improving our performance week by week, and we are motivated by the progress we are making.

"It will be interesting to see what we can do during this upcoming Grand Prix weekend in Spielberg."

When it comes to the future and his possible transfer to Ferrari next season, Leclerc admits he's heard the rumors, but won't be distracted from the job at hand.

"The rumours? I have found the mentality to focus on what I'm doing and not listen to what happens around me. But yes, I have heard the rumours," he added.

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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.