Perez looking forward to working with Ocon

Sergio Perez says he is "excited" by the prospect of working with new Force India recruit Esteban Ocon next season.

The 20-year-old Frenchman, who kickstarted his career in Grand Prix racing at Spa this year, was coveted by Renault but the Mercedes protégé decided to remain under the German manufacturer's umbrella by joining Vijay Mallya's outfit.

Perez enjoyed a good relationship with Renault-bound Nico Hulkenberg, and is hoping his pairing with Ocon will prove equally satisfactory.

"Everything that I heard about him was very impressive," Perez said.

"The team was very impressed and enthusiastic. They really liked his personality -- the way he interacts with the team, the feedback he gives and he is meant to be very easy to work with. The team was always very happy when they spoke about him.

"I had three great years with Nico and I learnt a lot from him, and now I look forward to learning a lot from Esteban.

"It is always good to learn things from different drivers. I have been very lucky to have very talented drivers next to me and so now having Esteban, it is a great opportunity to learn new things from a young driver."

Both drivers will be treated on equal terms by Force India, and Perez has stated that a relationship between team-mates should always benefit the team.

"I will be open to learn from him and if he is the same, it is up to him. If he wants to learn, I will be totally open as I have been with all of my teammates.

"I just want to obviously beat him but work together a lot for the team. I think that is very important and it has worked really well the last few years with Nico and myself, pushing each other on track, but off track always helping the team to go forward."

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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.