Ocon aims to sustain the momentum before summer break

40

Esteban Ocon will be looking to pick up at Hockenheim where he left off two weeks ago at Silverstone and sustain Force India's momentum into Formula 1's summer break.

The Frenchman has secured four top-ten finishes in the last five races, thanks to Force India's gradual performance improvement after a low-key start to its season.

The Silverstone outfit's resident pink panther is therefore confident he can enjoy a strong last two races before everyone head's off to a well-deserved summer break.

"I feel ready for the final two races before the summer break,” said Ocon.

"We have been finding performance as a team with strong results in the last few races and I want to have two good ones before the holidays."

Perez wants 'clean weekend' from Force India in Germany

While he has never raced an F1 car around Hockenheim, the 4.574 km track is still familiar territory for the 21-year-old who was acquainted with the venue when he raced in the DTM and European F3 series.

"Hockenheim is one of the tracks I know the most," he added.

"I have been driving there a lot in my career, first in F3 but also during my experience in DTM with Mercedes.

"It’s one of those historical tracks that are important for Formula 1 and there are always a lot of fans coming to see us with cards, messages and letters.

"It’s important to have a German Grand Prix and it’s always a special feeling racing there."

Thanks to the strengths and reliability of its Mercedes power unit, Force India's VJM11 package should be well suited to Hockenheim's blend of long straights and more technical sectors.

"I think the weekend can be a good one for us," Ocon projected.

"The track should suit us because of the long straights and slow corners, so it’s a chance to score more points.

"I enjoy the circuit. It has good overtaking opportunities, especially the hairpin at the end of a long straight and the sharp left hander a bit later.

"The racing is usually quite close so hopefully we will have an entertaining race on Sunday."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.