Esteban Ocon says he wants to “put a smile on everyone’s faces” for the final race of his Manor spell at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Frenchman will move across to Force India in 2017 after signing a multi-year deal with the Silverstone-based outfit. Ocon made his Formula One debut in replacement of Rio Haryanto at the end of the summer break and came close to score his maiden championship point in Brazil last Sunday.
“It’s gone by so quickly but it feels like I have learned such a lot in a very short space of time,” Ocon said of his nine-race Manor stint coming to an end.
“I haven’t had a full season’s perspective, but even since Spa I have seen how much the team has grown and how these experiences will strengthen Manor for the future.
“I will forever be grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to begin my F1 career, so my objective is to help put a smile on everyone’s faces in Abu Dhabi.”
With Felipe Nasr picking up two vital points at Interlagos, Manor slipped behind Sauber in the battle over 10th place in the Constructor’s championship.
Ocon vows to fight until the end to help the Banbury-based outfit get back ahead of its Swiss rivals at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“I don’t want to say too much about beyond Abu Dhabi for now, as this race needs our full focus. Brazil was heart-breaking for many reasons - for me and the team - so let’s keep pushing and bring all the hard work to a positive conclusion.
“Getting both cars to the chequered flag with one last strong performance under our belts is my target. It maybe won’t change the situation in the Constructors’ standings, but it will be a measure of what the team has done well so many times this season.”
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