On-the-sidelines Ocon still putting on a brave face

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Esteban Ocon spent two weeks in Barcelona looking on with envy, but despite the frustrations linked to his reserve driver status the Mercedes protégé vows to remain positive on his future.

In his two complete years of F1 with Force India, Ocon confirmed his outstanding talent and more than fulfilled the expectations placed upon him by Mercedes.

But circumstances linked to Force India's takeover by Lawrence Stroll and a scarcity of seats in F1 forced the German manufacturer to place its 22-year-old charger on the sidelines for 2019, a state of affairs that Ocon has accepted.

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"I'm feeling fine with the situation," he said in Barcelona, speaking to Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

"I've got a new role with Mercedes, a top team that has won many titles these last few years. It's also the team that has supported for a long time, and I'm actually still part of the Mercedes junior Team.

"They recruited me up at a crucial moment of my career, and today, I'm in the team."

©Mercedes

Ocon reserve driver status will obviously involve a lot of simulator work back at the Silver Arrows squad's base at Brackley and in-season testing.

But he'll also be standing in the wings at every race, just in case.

"Admittedly, it's a reserve role, but they're counting on me. I'll be spending many days in the simulator, and take part as much as possible in the car's development.

"I'll be attending every Grand Prix and available if there's an opportunity. And if there is, I'll take it!"

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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.