Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Alonso sidelined by brake failure

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Fernando Alonso's Spanish Grand Prix was cut short just before the half-way mark after his McLaren succumbed to an apparent brake failure.

The local hero was set to make his second tyre change of the afternoon when he shot straight through the McLaren pit box. Fortunately, quick reflexes by McLaren's front jack man prompted him to jump out of harm's way, avoiding injury. The car was subsequently shut down and retired.

"The brake failure was just a lap before I was to come in as I missed the first corner, "Alonso explained. "I was then told to come in so the team could have a look at the brakes. I was worried for the front jack man when I saw I had no peddle but luckily he was quick to react."

In spite of his efforts being thwarted once again by a mechanical issue, Alonso remains upbeat about the team's improvement.

"I thinks points were possible today, a two-stop strategy seems to work a bit better for us, the race was going more or less as expected so a P9 or P10 was possible today. The progress has been in the power unit and the aerodynamic side, this brake issue is a different problem which we will obviously have to investigate. The improvements will be carried on for the next races and give us more performance, so I 'm happy with that."

Click here for Sunday's gallery from the Spanish Grand Prix

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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.