And now, podium objective for Ocon!

Esteban Ocon’s lucidity applies in all circumstances. Under the spotlight since the double collision with Pérez at Spa, the Norman prodigy could have congratulated himself on a fine qualifying session, finishing in fifth position, which became third after the application of the Red Bull duo’s penalties.

Normandy comes to Lombardy

That was not the case, or if it was, only slightly. Questioned by French-speaking journalists at the end of this extraordinary session (in the literal sense of the term), the Force India hopeful remained grounded, calmly explaining the events of this unusual day. Firstly, the heating of his tires did pose a problem for him.

« The hardest part was putting everything in order. The mental aspect was also difficult to manage. Waiting over two hours, getting in and out of the car five times… Normally between FP3 and Qualifying, I eat very little. Here, it was 4:30 PM and we hadn’t eaten yet… it really drains you from the inside! »

Here, his headache certainly peaked at the end of Q2. Luck was on his side in Monza this Saturday. His progression to Q3 was confirmed… by just two thousandths of a second! Meanwhile, Pérez (11th on the clock) was left out…

« I was blocked by Kvat in the last corner » justified the main party on this subject. « And on top of that, I made a big mistake just before. So there were six tenths easily to put back in order…

I knew I had a lot more performance than that. So, I wasn’t very happy. I knew it was going to be close. I look at my place on the line, and I think to myself: it’s over!

Already comfortable in his first rainy Grand Prix (at Interlagos last year), Ocon excels as soon as conditions deteriorate. The native of Evreux responded with wit regarding the connection made with his origins.

« Yes, this weather reminded me a little bit of Normandy! In karting, we often drove on slicks. When we arrived in Italy, it seemed immediately easier! I was always ahead in the rain. In fact, that’s how I won my first single-seater race. »

Without ardently desiring it, the Italian downpour gave her an unexpected boost.

I’m happy the track stayed wet. I knew that if the rain was there, there would have been an opportunity…

But unlike Max Verstappen, the Force India protégé believes it was impossible to hold the session until 4:45 PM. His comments even echo Romain Grosjean’s crash.

It was hot to drive earlier! Even aerodynamically loaded, the Mercedes weren’t driving flat out, even though I was. It was risky for not much. The straight line was complicated because of the surface.

« I must not make any mistakes, after all, it’s the boss in front! »

Now, the hardest part begins: maintaining this excellent third position. Especially since his rear-view mirrors will catch three of the four fastest cars on the grid: Bottas’ Mercedes and the two Ferraris of Räikkönen and Vettel.

« We need to get a good start… with our vmax, we hope to keep them behind us! » challenges the former DTM driver.

« From there, my goal is to stay on the podium positions for as long as possible. » But here’s the thing, will he be fully capable? French fans can rest assured, Esteban Ocon will keep a cool head.

He thus knows the steps to impress, but preferably behind Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, a car to be highly respected. After all, the 2015 GP3 champion is a protégé of the fold… “It’s like I see Toto’s head on the car,” he admitted with a small smile.

« I even think it’s possible that the two in front might touch at the start. And then third, even in karting, I liked this position… » So we might not be at the end of our surprises!

What a day, I will be starting P3 for the #ItalianGP !! Big thanks to the @ForceIndiaF1 and @MercedesAMG guys for their hard work 👍🏻! #EO31 pic.twitter.com/KlawKGUa47

— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) 2 septembre 2017