Esteban Ocon will make his F1 debut with the Manor Racing Team at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, and the Frenchman could not be happier if he tried.
When asked if he was excited about the prospect of taking to the track for the first time, his answer was a resounding “Very!”
“I’m pumped. It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of for so long. I can’t wait to get started.
“The last two weeks have seemed like an eternity, but I’ve had a good break with plenty of time to think about how I’m going to approach things, so I’m ready to go!”
Having raced at the circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in previous formulae’s, the Belgian track is the perfect venue for Ocon to complete his maiden F1 race, and it is one that the Frenchman holds dear with its iconic history.
“Yes, I’ve raced here before in F3 and GP3, so that will help for sure.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better place to start my F1 racing career. Spa is a magical circuit, with so much history and such a technical challenge for a driver. Plus it’s pretty close to being a home race for me. All of that makes this weekend pretty special.”
It will be a special weekend for the 2015 GP3 champion, but one where he will need to learn quickly if he is to have a successful debut, and getting to know the team and more importantly the car, will be the Frenchman’s main priority ahead of his first race.
“Pretty simple, really. I want to do a good job of getting to know the car, my crew, the whole team and get a really good weekend as something to build on. That’s my goal.”
To support him on his new F1 journey will be the Ocon family, who have travelled to Spa to witness the special occasion.
“I have some family here this weekend to cheer me on. We’re all very close, so this is a big weekend for them after all the support I’ve had getting to this point. I want to do well for them.”
Having already shown bags of potential throughout his motorsport career, Ocon will no doubt shine as he grabs this massive opportunity with both hands this weekend.
