Race and classic pictures

Alonso takes delivery of stunning Bugatti Veyron

©Instagram/GME.Photo

When your day job involves steering a stubborn Aston Martin through a torrid F1 campaign, retail therapy hits a little differently.

Fernando Alonso decided to treat himself to an absurdly early Christmas present, taking delivery in Monaco this week of a dazzling, chrome-wrapped Bugatti 16.4 Veyron Grand Sport.

Because no bonuses are on the cards this season with Team Silverstone, the Spanish F1 veteran took matters into his own hands to taste some real speed.

Ditching the traditional two-tone paintwork for a blinding reflective finish, the two-time world champion added this 1,001-horsepower beast to an already jaw-dropping garage that houses gems like a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, an Aston Martin Valiant and a Pagani Zonda.

Capable of rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and topping out at 407 km/h, the quad-turbocharged W16 hypercar finally gives Alonso something that can easily outrun a Q1 exit.

Social media naturally erupted as footage and photos swept the internet, with fans jokingly noting he collects ultra-rare hypercars like Pokémon cards.

Aston Martin may be frantically throwing B-spec upgrades and engine tweaks at their car to save their season, but Alonso has already found a guaranteed fix for his need for speed – even if it just means cruising through Monte Carlo in blinding style.

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.

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