Renault test driver and Mercedes young driver Esteban Ocon made a solid start to his Formula One career after replacing Kevin Magnussen in first practice for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
In what was a successful day for Ocon, setting the 19th fastest time, completing 31 laps in the process, the Frenchman was satisfied with his day’s work.
The reigning GP3 Series champion was given a practice outing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya but was unable to complete any laps due to a technical problem.
“It was a productive FP1, we completed all the tests that we were supposed to,” he said. “We’ve been through everything, all the procedures and all the test items the teams had, so that was great.
“On my side, it’s good to have experience on a fast track really. The last time I drove F1 it was in Barcelona which is also a quick track, but it was a different situation – it was a full day test and not really performance, you know?”
Ocon confirmed he will be given more practice outings for Renault but was unable to confirm when and what races he will be back in the RS16.
“It was good to get the feeling of high speed with the car, how it handles, and I’m looking forward to doing some more.”
Ocon will be back in action in the upcoming mid-season test at Silverstone for Mercedes.
