Ocon feeling more comfortable in second half of the season

Force India's Esteban Ocon admits that he is feeling much more comfortable in the second half of the season as he is racing on tracks he is familiar with. The Frenchman debuted mid-season last year, and has therefore had F1 experience in the last number of Grands Prix.

Ocon has out-qualified teammate Sergio Perez in the last four events. He has also failed to finish inside the points just once this season, at the Monaco Grand Prix. Speaking to the press in Brazil, the 21-year-old admitted he is feeling confident.

"I'm here to push, I'm here to challenge Sergio. For sure it's been a very close season, we are fighting with really little margin," he said. "But driving for the second time on tracks we have driven before with Manor helps me a lot with my experience, and also finishing all the races. I feel much more comfortable now."

Last time out in Mexico, Ocon matched his best career finish of fifth place, and with Perez coming home in seventh, it meant Force India secured fourth place in the constructor's championship for the second year running.

"It's been a great season for us. Of course, we come here with fourth place, it's an amazing achievement for us, thanks to the team," Ocon said. "I thank everyone, there are a few key people, Andy Stevenson, Andy Green, and Otmar [Szafnauer]. I thank everyone there for a great season we've had. Hopefully we can finish the last two races very well like we did before and start the next one well."

Fergal Walsh