Alonso swaps four wheels for two

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Fernando Alonso is in Japan this weekend for Honda's annual "Thanks Day" family reunion at Motegi. Every year, the manufacturer wheels out of its museum all kinds of marvelous machinery and invites its drivers for a spin. As he did last year, the McLaren driver thought it would be a good idea to hit the tarmac - fortunately not literally - riding a genuine MotoGP machine.

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.