Grosjean looking forward to 'emotional' return to France

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Romain Grosjean believes that lining up on the grid of the French Grand Prix in 2018 will be a highly emotional experience for the Formula 1driver.

Although born in Geneva, Switzerland, Grosjean is French at heart, having started his career and honed his skills in several junior championships in France.

The Haas direr kick started his Grand Prix career with Renault in 2009 but has never had the opportunity to showcase his talent in F1 in front of his home crowd.

"You can easily imagine how emotional it will be for us French drivers to race in front of our fans," Grosjean said.

"I have talked about it with others and to be honest I have had some doubts over the recent years and then all of sudden, thanks to many people pulling together, the return of French GP has materialised."

"It’s quite exceptional. Circuit Paul Ricard is a unique venue and I look forward to being there in 2018 and trying to win my first French GP!"

If all goes according to plan, Esteban Ocon should also enjoy racing on home soil, while Red Bull hopeful Pierre Gasly is also targeting a spot on the French GP grid in 2018.

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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.