Ocon on a mission to learn

Esteban Ocon jumped onto the Formula 1 band wagon at Spa, and after Monza two weeks ago the Manor driver continues his apprenticeship of Grand Prix racing this weekend in Singapore.

The venue will be new to the Frenchman as well as the intricacies of racing under artificial light, a sum of new adventures which will usefully build his experience.

"I’m loving and learning every minute - and there’s so much more still to come," says Ocon.

"It’s a big challenge stepping up to F1 in the middle of the season; so much to get to grips with and no time to stop and think, only to keep pushing forward.

"It’s a big test, but that works for me! In only two races I’ve had some things go well and some things go less well, but I’ve got two race distances under my belt and I’m really happy with the way I’ve slotted into the team, and with my own performances.

"Six of the next seven tracks are new for me, so some exciting challenges are ahead, which is great! Plus, we have some important objectives as a team, which we need to be very focused on."

Finishing his first two Grand Prix was indeed a positive achievement as the more the running, the more the learning.

The 19-year-old Manor rookie, who enjoys the rare privilege of being a protégé of not one but two manufacturers, Mercedes and Renault, believes that his team has the speed to vie for a spot in Q2. A destination which he also considers as a personal objective.

"I think we’ve shown that when everything goes our way, we can expect to be in Q2. Pascal has been able to show that it’s possible.

"So that’s the next target for me personally. When we start further up the grid, we can create opportunities for the race, and then, who knows, another point is a real possibility.

"At this stage, that would be a dream come true in a long list of dreams I’d like to realise."

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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.