Alonso rejoices in Real Madrid's triumph

McLaren would have been hard pressed to convince Fernando Alonso to do any PR work for its sponsors last night.

Why? Because the Spaniard was riveted to the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

A member and supporter of the legendary Spanish squad, the two-time world champion was ecstatic with the club's 3-1 victory, facilitated it must be said by a double-blunder by Liverpool keeper Loris Karius.

In the McLaren camp, its likely Alonso's crew will greet their driver today with a very long face…

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.