Ocon ‘on the right path’ to Renault seat, thinks Prost

Four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost believes Manor rookie Esteban Ocon is on the “right path” to secure a seat with Renault for the 2017 season.

The 20-year-old, who was loaned out to the French constructor by Mercedes at the start of the season, replaced Rio Haryanto after the summer break and has been tipped for a full-time role with the Renault works outfit for several weeks.

Despite Ocon enduring a trio of challenging races since his Manor promotion in Spa-Francorchamps, Prost thinks his fellow countryman is in the ideal environment to learn the ropes.

“I think these are optimum conditions [to start an F1 career],” the ‘Professor’ told French broadcaster Canal+. “He is at Manor and has the support of two major manufacturer involved in F1.

“It is yet unclear what the next step will be for him, but he has been tipped for great things. I don’t know what will happen for him, especially regarding Renault but there has been a lot of talk.

“I don’t have any inside knowledge of the situation... but he is on the ‘young talents to watch’ list along with a couple of other names.

“There is still a long way to go and he needs to get more experience under his belt. I don’t know when Renault will take its decision, but he is on the right path.”

Renault has Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer forming its current line-up but both drivers’ contracts expire at the end of the season.

Chris Medland's 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix preview

TECHNICAL: F1 telemetry: The data race

FEATURE: When F1 team-mates fight for the title

F1i Classic: Sepang 2001 - Ferrari pulls off a masterstroke

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