Ocon: 'Prost has been very good at guiding me'

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Renault's Esteban Ocon says he has developed a close relationship with four-time world champion Alain Prost who has helped the young charger settle into his new team.

The F1 legend who is also a director of the Renault F1 team is dispensing precious advice to Ocon for whom Prost is the perfect role model.

"The good thing is I often have Alain on the phone, he’s giving me tips," Ocon told Crash.net. "Alain has the key of success and his words and advice are so important.

"Just on the work ethic, I think Alain has been very, very good at guiding me, as well as how to settle into the team.

"If I needed some help on some stuff, he was there. I’m definitely working on that side."

Prost trusts Alonso will return with changed 'philosophy'

Following in the footsteps of one of Formula 1's most iconic drivers is a tall order for Ocon, but the 23-year-old is determined to become France's second F1 world champion.

"I believe I can do it, definitely," said the young hopeful who is undertaking this year his third full season of F1.

"I definitely want to follow his path, and how he works and everything he gives me is a boost to my career and to my way of working.

"Even if I could have half of his career it would be an amazing result."

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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.