Perez looking ahead at 'a very big year'

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Sergio Perez was as excited as a Mexican jumping bean today as he gazed with sparkling eyes over Force India's new VJM10 at its presentation at Silverstone.

While Checo has yet to put in a lap in his new ride, his confidence is high on the eve of a campaign which he believes will be big and successful.

"This is one of the most exciting things of the year, unveiling the car, seeing it for the first time," he said during Wednesday's launch.

"I didn't have an easy winter, had to start quite early working on the physical. Going onto a new generation of car that are so much faster, it is like going from GP2 to Formula 1, so physically it will be a lot more demanding.

"The G-Forces we are going to generate are going to be quite high. I have worked hard but the first day of testing is going to be really exhausting."

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Perez praised the team's solid foundation and stability which are now its main strengths as it seeks to go one better after finishing fourth in last year's Constructor's standings.

"It makes me feel very confident," he explained.

"In the four years I've been in the team I've never seen such a stable organisation. It makes me feel confident knowing that the right people have been working on this car.

"We finished fourth last year and at the end of the year were the fourth fastest team on the track with a couple of podiums.

"That makes me feel confident. I trust totally this team, the people who have put effort into this car.

"We are going to have a very big year."

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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.