Esteban Ocon says he is feeling “fully up to speed” with Force India, though remains wary that he faces a steeper learning curve at venues where he has never competed, such as in Canada this weekend.
Ocon, 20, made his Grand Prix debut with Manor mid-2016, following previous test outings with Mercedes, Renault and Force India, before securing a 2017 seat with the latter squad.
Ocon scored points at each of the opening five Grands Prix, reaching a high of fifth in Spain, though his run came to an end in Monaco, as he came home 12th, having dropped out in Q1.
The French youngster now feels he is fully embedded within the Silverstone-based outfit, but accepts he still has progress to make in Formula 1.
“After the bad luck in Monaco I want to get back to scoring points in Montréal,” he said.
“The car is getting better with each race and I think I’m fully up-to-speed now.
“I’m really happy with the team and the way we work together – we’ve already built up a good understanding and they know what I need from the car.
“Montréal is another new track for me so I’m going to be on the learning curve on Friday.
“I know the lap from playing video games and being on the simulator, and I’ve always liked the circuit characteristics.”
Ocon’s Force India team-mate, Sergio Pérez, remains optimistic over the outfit’s prospects, despite his run of races in the points coming to an end in Monaco.
“I feel confident about Montréal,” said Pérez, who finished on the podium with Sauber in 2012.
“It’s a track where I’ve had some good races and I like the challenge of the circuit. It’s all about being late on the brakes and aggressive through the chicanes. You have to be precise too with the walls so close to the track.”
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