Fernando Alonso still going strong at '350'

40

Fernando Alonso will be in a league of his own after Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix as the Spaniard will have become the F1 driver with the greatest number of race starts under his belts.

At Monza three weeks ago, Alonso equaled the record held by Kimi Raikkonen. So ahead of this evening's round of racing at Marina Bay, F1's class of 2022 - although there were apparently a few absentees - came together to pay tribute to the sport's oldest and most experienced driver on the grid who started his career in F1 with Minardi in 2001.

From here, the Alpine charger – who will switch his allegiance to Aston Martin next season - will need to add 50 race starts to his impressive track record to reach the incredible milestone of 400!

"I will reach 400 for sure, so that's a big number," Alonso confidently said.

"It shows my passion for the sport and my discipline to perform at the high level."

No argument there, Fernando...

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.