Never losing track of the young ones

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Blending F1 with a season of WEC racing hasn't left much down time for Fernando Alonso this year.

The McLaren driver nevertheless sat out last week's Barcelona in-season test. But rather than bask in the sun at home or at a posh resort somewhere, our man chose to spend a few days mentoring the young aspiring champions of his karting school near his home town of Oviedo.

As dedicated off the track as he is on it, Fernando is.

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.