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F1 British GP: Ocon revels in ‘amazing’ Mercedes chance

Esteban Ocon says his first opportunity to drive the championship leading Mercedes W07 was an 'amazing' experience as the development driver impressed in tricky conditions at a damp Silverstone.

The defending GP3 champion, who is dovetailing his full-time drive with Mercedes in the DTM with the odd free practice appearance for the Renault F1 team, made his debut in 'silver' at Silverstone at the wheel of the car that has won every F1 race this year.

Completing the most mileage of anyone, Ocon managed 123 trouble-free laps in wet and dry conditions as he got the useful opportunity to trial slick, intermediate and wet weather rubber.

"[It was] Amazing," he beamed. "It was great to have the opportunity. Tricky conditions this afternoon though, some points it was drying and we were expecting slicks and then it went to inters... but we kept working on the car, making the most of how the track was.

"It was important to keep working in all of the conditions. For me it is good, all the experience I can get I take it, it is good for my development. To test all of the tyres {slick, inter, wet) today is really good."

Though he refused to be drawn on comparing the Mercedes to the Renault RS16 he drove in FP1 at the British Grand Prix, Ocon says the W07 has 'almost perfect' balance.

"It is quick, it feels good," he continued. "You can feel it is quick and feel the balance is almost perfection. It is a great car, what else can you say?"

Zdroj: crash.net