Ocon fired up for home Grand Prix

Esteban Ocon could barely contain his excitement when previewing the upcoming French Grand Prix as it will be the first time he has had the opportunity to drive in front of his compatriots in a Formula One GP, saying it will be a "dream".

The French GP features on Sunday for the first time in a decade, while it will be the first time in 28 years that the Circuit Paul Ricard has been the location of a GP.

Ocon has hailed the return of the race as "the best news from the whole of last year".

"It’s been my dream for years to be racing in front of my home crowd and now I will finally experience the fantastic feeling of a home Grand Prix," the Force India driver told formula1.com.

"When the race was announced, it was the best news from the whole of last year and I’m really looking forward to it. I am very proud of the work of all the people involved in bringing the French Grand Prix back and I hope the event will be a success.

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“I did race at Paul Ricard early in my career – it was actually where I had my first victory in single seaters in 2013 so I have some fantastic memories of the place. I hope we can add some more success this weekend. Having been there in the junior categories makes getting used to a new track in a Formula One car much easier. I think I will find my rhythm quite quickly."

Ocon did not shy away from the excitement of a home GP, but did admit that when he gets behind the wheel, he will have to treat it like any other race.

“In the last few races in Monaco and Canada we’ve been showing good pace so I hope we can be strong in France as well," he continued.

"On paper, the track should suit us, with a long straight and some slow corners where we can use our car’s mechanical grip really well. It’s a track which will be new for everyone and we’re usually good at finding a set-up quickly, so I’m not too worried.

“It’s going to be a busy week for me but once I get in the car, it’s like any other race weekend and the focus needs to be on the track.”