Alpine enrolls Zidane to help team strike its goals

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French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane has been named a brand ambassador for Alpine, a surprise nomination that was met with a big round of applause at the team's presentation event in London on Thursday evening.

Zidane enjoyed a welcome reception as he stepped up onto the stage, having been praised by Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi for his winning mentality, one that will inspire the F1 outfit.

"I am very happy to be here today and happy to be part of the Alpine team," the World Cup winner told a baffled audience.

"I had the opportunity to meet Laurent, Davide, and the Alpine team at a Grand Prix and I think we had a good exchange and shared everything together," said Zidane.

Alpine recruit and fan-boy Pierre Gasly struggled to contain his excitement at the prospect of working with one of his absolute idols.

"He’s been one of my idols since I was a kid," Gasly said. "I started playing football at five and just wanted to wear number 10, his jersey every time I was going to practice and training.

"Just to see him as an ambassador today and go to spend some time backstage before the event, I just attacked him with millions of questions about his career."

It's rumored that Ferrari has offered an ambassadorship to Zidane's Italian World Cup foe Marco Materazzi. But we'll give that piece of gossip a good headbutt… à la Zidane!

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.