Race and classic pictures

Alonso gets the big balls rolling once again

Fernando Alonso got the ball - or rather a pair of balls - rolling once again in the gym this weekend, resuming his preparations for his return to the F1 grid this year with Alpine.

The unfortunate cycling contretemps suffered by the Spaniard earlier this month is now nothing but a bad memory, and the two-time world champion's focus is on pre-season testing which kicks off in Bahrain on March 12.

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.