Force India has confirmed the signing of Manor driver and GP3 champion Esteban Ocon for the 2017 Formula 1 season. Ocon made his debut with Manor at the Belgian Grand Prix in August, and has impressed enough to clinch a move up to Force India. Ocon is a member of Mercedes’ junior program, with the German marque supplying engines to Force India. Here is the release from Force India. Sahara Force India is pleased to confirm Esteban Ocon as a race driver for 2017 and beyond following the signing of a multi-year contract. The 20-year-old Frenchman will race alongside Sergio Perez to form one of the most exciting line-ups on the grid with a blend of youth and experience. Esteban Ocon: “I’m very excited
All three NASCAR national series will be in action this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. Phoenix will determine the four drivers who will compete for the championship in all three series. The cutoff races begin Friday night with the Camping World Truck Series. All times are Eastern Friday, Nov. 11 10 a.m. – Truck Series garage open 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Sprint Cup garage open 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Xfinity Series garage open 11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. – Truck Series practice (Fox Sports 2) 12:30 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. – Xfinity Series practice (NBCSN) 1:30 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. – Sprint Cup practice (NBCSN, MRN) 3 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. – Final Truck Series practice (Fox Sports 2) 4:10 p.m. – Truck Series
Ferrari junior driver Charles Leclerc is set to be placed in GP2 for the 2017 season, despite suggestions that he could be in line for a Formula 1 seat with Haas. Leclerc, 19, joined the Ferrari Driver Academy at the beginning of 2016 after an impressive season in the FIA Formula 3 championship through 2015. The Monegasque youngster was placed at Haas in a development role for 2016 by virtue of its technical partnership with Ferrari, and has taken part in three F1 practice sessions so far this year. Leclerc has also been racing in GP3 through 2016, and enters the final round of the year in Abu Dhabi with a 29-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings. Leclerc was linked with a possible