Mat Coch writes:

He may be regarded as the next big thing, but Jean-Eric Vergne isn't allowing himself to get carried away. The Frenchman makes his Formula One debut this weekend for Toro Rosso, but insists there's nothing special about the race.

"I want to take it as a normal race, except that I have an F1 car in my hands," he said. "I never considered myself a rookie in previous categories, even if I was one. Obviously for Formula One it may be a bit more difficult but I will try not to think as a rookie, but as an experienced driver."

Vergne is the latest product of the Red Bull Driver Programme, and joins Daniel Ricciardo to complete a line-up Christian Horner describes as 'exciting'.

There are great things expected from both drivers, who are highly rated, but Vergne wants to remain focussed on his work without the distraction of the Red Bull machine.

A solid but unspectacular pre-season looks to have left the team buried in the midfield battle, though with updates planned throughout the season Vergne hopes the team can edge out its opponents by seasons end.

Vergne has been working hard on his own condition too in an effort to get himself ready. "I spent all winter with my trainer," he said. "We went to Germany, to the mountains, for fifteen days to do cardio and some weights.

"Barcelona was a bit hard, I think it's one of the hardest tracks for the neck," he added. "I think the more you are in the car the more used to it you get, and the fitter you are. It shouldn't be a problem for the first Grands Prix."

Ambitions for the opening race of the season are simple, to gain experience and solidify his position in Formula one. "I don't put any pressure on myself," he said. Which is probably just as well with Dr Marko looking on.