"The track is fun with a few good overtaking spots" - Ocon

Esteban Ocon says that the Bahrain International Circuit is a “very satisfying” circuit when drivers hook up a good lap and that night racing makes the race even more special.

The Force India driver is making his second F1 visit to Bahrain, and finished tenth on the island in 2017, as part of his stellar first full season in the sport.

Ocon is one of the hottest young talents on the Formula One grid, as has been linked with a move to Mercedes in recent weeks.

However, his focus for now is on Bahrain, and he says: “I love racing at night, it almost feels quicker under the lights and it looks better on television.

“Hopefully the fans like it as much as the drivers. The track is good fun and there are a few good overtaking spots, such as turn one and turn four.”

Whilst Ocon enjoys the Bahrain weekend, he says it is also one of the more difficult places to race in F1: “It’s a tough weekend physically because of the heat.

“The daytime practice sessions are the most difficult, but fortunately it gets a bit cooler in the evenings for qualifying and the race.

“You need to drink lots to be hydrated and make sure you don’t lose concentration.”