Source: Force India Media

F1 News

Ocon hoping for race conditions that can mix things up

Ocon hoping for race conditions that "can mix things up"

24-06-2018 12:00
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Bobby Vincent

Esteban Ocon wants extreme weather conditions, one way or another, this afternoon, to increase his chances at Circuit Paul Ricard.

Ocon, who drives for Force India, just missed out on a spot in Q3 but had lots of praise for his team;s improvements following Friday's difficult sessions.

"I am a bit disappointed to miss out on the top ten by such a small margin (0.02s), but I am happy about my lap and how we came back as a team from a difficult Friday," Ocon admitted.

"We came into qualifying a bit blind after missing track time yesterday, but we were able to improve the car a ot and found a good balance.

"P11 is the next best thing to a place in Q3 and at least we will have free choice of tyres."

Ocon is looking to the sky for some support today, as he aims to boost his way up the grid in France.

"Hopefully it's going to be very hot tomorrow and the stratergy can play in our hands, or perhaps it's going rain - I'd welcome anything that can mix things up," Ocon said.

"I have to thank the fans for all of their support.

"I could see them with their flags and it was a special feeling to drive in front of my home crowd."

Ocon's team mate, Sergio Perez will be in P13, just behind Ocon, later today.

Perez believes that he could have done better on Saturday if the timing had been optimized.

"We could have been much further up the grid," said Perez.

"I think we were unlucky with the conditions because we were expecting more rain towards the end of Q2.

"I went out too early and did my laps, and then the track improved.

"We need to see what happens with the weather tomorrow because if it's wet it will open up some opportunities."