Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Alonso would have loved to race in the 80s

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Fernando Alonso believes the 1980s era of Grand Prix racing put the emphasis on driver talent rather than on engineering and aerodynamics as is the case today.

Speaking to French daily l'Equipe, the Spaniard said he would have loved to compete at a time when man overruled machine.

"Formula 1 back in the 1980s was quite different compared to today as technology has become highly sophisticated with aerodynamics mostly defining a car's performance. Back then, it was a lot more basic, there were no driver aids, no power steering, nothing. You just put it in gear and powered off ! In a sense it was pure hard core racing, and mechanical grip was important."

The McLaren driver did acknowledge that the competitive spirit probably hadn't changed amongst the drivers through the decades, regardless of the tools or machinery on offer.

"Perhaps the drivers back then felt more pleasure as results were more dependent on talent. It was probably more difficult to get the best out of the car, and when that was the case, it must have been an extraordinary feeling. Today, if a car's aerodynamics are good, you can win. If not, you won't win. That isn't very fair..."

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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.