Dicing with Zizou: Alpine drivers take on soccer legend

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©Alpine

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly joined up with Alpine brand Ambassador and global icon Zinedine Zidane in Madrid on Tuesday for an indoor karting adventure that pitted the three sporting personalities against each other.

The event which was part of Alpine’s efforts to promote its brand and connect with fans in different sports was more about cheeky banter and friendly jibes than setting purple sectors.

When all was said and done, the trio was joined by members of the Alpine Academy, including FIA Formula 2 drivers Jack Doohan and Victor Martins, for a family photo.

Alpine brought in Zidane at the start of this year as a global Ambassador for the brand and to help promote equal opportunities.

While the French football legend’s involvement generated a good buzz, the former player and Real de Madrid coach’s presence didn’t translate into on-track success for Alpine.

Evidently, Zidane’s aura of leadership and magic has yet to rub off on the Enstone squad…

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.