Leclerc struggling in Japan with memories of Bianchi crash

Charles Leclerc foresees "a very difficult" Japanese Grand Prix weekend on a personal level as memories of his great friend Jules Bianchi rise to the surface.

In 2014, Bianchi was severely injured in a crash that had seen the Marussia driver skid off the Suzuka track and hit a tractor-recovery vehicle.

The 26-year-old hopeful succumbed to irreversible brain damage in July 2015, leaving a huge void for Leclerc who considered Bianchi as his mentor and "big brother" since his early karting days.

Returning to the scene of the young man's tragic crash, and racing in the Japanese Grand Prix for the very first time, Leclerc admits he'll be fighting his emotions in Suzuka.

Leclerc races with two very special people always on his mind

"It's obviously a very difficult weekend," said Leclerc.

"Jules has helped me massively to arrive here, more than only on the racing side. He was a big like part of the family.

"I never came to Japan before, the track walk this morning was quite emotional. But yeah, on the other hand I really need to focus on this weekend to try to do the best job possible anyway. Even if it's a difficult weekend."

Looking ahead, the Monegasque and future Ferrari driver is hoping to follow-up his seventh-place finish in Sochi with another run in the points at Suzuka.

"It will be my first time driving on the Suzuka Circuit. It is one of the most renowned circuits there is, and I am looking forward to discovering its challenges very much," he said.

"It is a very technical track, and quite demanding in terms of the corners it features.

"After a positive weekend in Russia, we are motivated to extract the most out of our potential in the upcoming weekends."

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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.