Alonso puts Alpine in the spotlight at Le Mans

©JoaoFilipe/DPPI

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©JoaoFilipe/DPPI

Alpine was out in full force on Saturday before the start of the 89th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The French manufacturer paraded several of its road cars around the legendary 13.626 km track, but the show was preceded by a historic first when Fernando Alonso blasted down the Hunaudieres onboard an Alpine-liveried 2018-spec Renault.

The Spaniard's demo lap marked the first time in the history of the Le Mans circuit that an F1 car had taken to the iconic track.

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.