Prost backs Ocon amid Renault rumours

F1 legend Alain Prost has backed his countryman Esteban Ocon to keep climbing the sport’s ladder.

With back-to-back European F3 and GP3 titles, the 20-year-old leapt from his DTM seat this year into his mid-season F1 debut with Manor, replacing Rio Haryanto.

Frenchman Ocon has the backing not only of Mercedes but also Renault, and it is with the latter French works team that he is now a leading candidate to drive full-time for in 2017.

"Esteban is driving for Manor now but he is supported by two major automakers — it is the ideal conditions for his debut in formula one," Prost, a quadruple world champion and Renault brand ambassador, told the Canal Plus broadcaster.

"I don’t know what will happen, but I believe that his prospects are excellent.

"I’m not sure what awaits him next year, in particular with Renault, but there is a lot of talk about it. I don’t know what’s happening within the team, but Esteban is one of the most promising young drivers," Prost said.

"I don’t know what Renault will decide, but in any case, Esteban is on the right track."