Race and classic pictures

El Matador rides again!

Over two years after leaving F1 in Abu Dhabi in 2018, Fernando Alonso officially returned to the fray on Saturday in Bahrain with Alpine.

At the time of his departure from the grid, many believed the two-time world champion would recoil and come back to F1, rather than permanently throw in the towel following a dismal three-year period of frustration and nonperformance with McLaren. And here he is.

Alonso's return is a homecoming of sorts, as the 39-year-old has chosen his former Renault Enstone squad to which he delivered his two world titles as his port of re-entry to F1.

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.