Race and classic pictures

Back to the grind at Le Mans for Alonso

Yesterday was a dress rehearsal of sorts for those competing in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours which takes place in two weeks.

Unsurprisingly, a pair of Toyota Gazoo Racing TS050s topped the Test Day which was held in blistering hot conditions, with the #8 car of Sebastien Buemi, Fernando Alonso and Kazuki Nakajima leading the charge.

These days, merely driving for Toyota at Le Mans is half a win completed. Alonso and his talented team mates will attempt to wrap up the other half and secure their second consecutive win in the endurance classic.

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.