Fernando enjoys a track-side family reunion

Fernando Alonso visited the Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday to check out the action and check in on his McLaren colleagues.

The Spaniard remains part of the McLaren family with which he will be returning to the Indy 500 this year.

There were rumors that Alonso could take to the track in Barcelona and sample the team's new MCL34.

While he apparently had brought his helmet, the two-time world champion settled for a trackside view along with McLaren boss Zak Brown and Carlos Sainz, his successor at the Woking-based outfit.

There's no doubt he will have watched Lando Norris' good performance on Tuesday with a blend of enjoyment and envy.

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.