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Ocon nearing Force India deal

Manor and Mercedes protége Esteban Ocon has apparently been put at the top of Force India's list by team owner Vijay Mallya to partner Sergio Perez in 2017.

The highly coveted seat, vacated by Nico Hulkenberg upon his move to Renault, has been the subject of much speculation involving, in addition to Ocon, Pascal Wehrlein, Felipe Nasr and Jolyon Palmer.

Both Ocon and Wehrlein are familiar faces at Force India, having both tested for the outfit in the past as Mercedes juniors.

Mallya's preference for Ocon may also coincide with that of the German manufacturer which, as Force India's power unit supplier, will certainly have a say in the decision.

The 20-year-old Frenchman made his Grand Prix debut at Spa with Manor earlier this year, replacing Rio Haryanto who found himself short of funds, and has acquitted himself well in comparison to team mate pascal Wehrlein.

In addition to Force India, Ocon may also be weighing an offer from Renault, although it is known that the French team, in a bid to speed up its development, is keen on hiring another experienced driver to race alongside new recruit Hulkenberg.

With Mercedes stalwarts Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton under contract until the end of 2018, the manufacturer will be looking to further assess and hone the talent of its junior drivers in the next two seasons.

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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.