Esteban Ocon: “In the points in every race”

It was last November that Esteban Ocon learned of his move to Force India ahead of the 2017 season. By joining the fourth force in the 2016 field, the former European champion of F3 and former GP3 Series winner takes a new step in his career.

With the experience accumulated both in racing with Manor Racing from Belgium (replacing the Indonesian Rio Haryanto), and in testing with Mercedes ou Renault In 2016, Ocon aims to help Force India build on the momentum of a more than successful last season.

“Force India's objective in 2017 is Top 3 among manufacturers, the Frenchman admits to us. This means that you will have to pass in front of a “big one”. There may be a total redistribution of the cards next year.

With the end of the token system, which enormously limited the development of engines, the gaps should be reduced more easily. The established order can be disrupted and that is why I am asked to be operational immediately. »

Without an expected adaptation phase, Esteban Ocon however sets a very specific goal in mind. “I signed for two years, but the first year is not for learning: my objective is to be in the points in each race, and to aim for the Top 5 as often as possible.

Also, my nine 2016 Grands Prix will be very useful to me because I am already in the environment F1 and I learned several circuits that I didn't know. But I’m going to discover Melbourne, Shanghai, Monaco and even Baku…

I will also discover a new teammate, Sergio Pérez, the team's lead driver. He is a “client”, one of the seven best drivers on the field according to some experts. But you will have to beat him, like the others. »

Discover our entire interview with Esteban Ocon, in issue 2095 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands. Also find our Special Edition dedicated to French drivers in F1, available on newsstands from today (also digitally).