Alonso's manager meets with Renault

Fernando Alonso's manager Luis Garcia Abad is in Baku this weekend, and was seen in close conversation yesterday with Renault's Cyril Abiteboul and Alain Prost.

The Spanish driver raced with the French outfit from 2003 to 2006, winning two world titles, and then again in 2008 and 2009 after a hiatus with McLaren in 2007.

Alonso's prospects of remaining with McLaren are dimming by the day, but a return to Renault for a third stint also seems farfetched given his self-imposed demand of racing in a winning car next season.

On the other hand, it's unlikely Abad and Abiteboul's discussions were about the wonderful savours of the delicious Spanish-French blended Basque cuisine...

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.