McLaren and Alonso hold off on contract talks!

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Fernando Alonso has agreed to hold off potential talks with other teams until the summer, according to McLaren boss Zak Brown.

Brown met with Alonso, Eric Boullier and the Spanish drivers' manager Luis Garcia Abad fordinner in Shanghai.

The two-time world champion's contract with McLaren runs out at the end of the year, and while it seems inconceivable that Alonso would endure another year of uncertainty or pain with the Woking-based outfit, Brown is confident he can keep his star driver

"We have agreed to speak in the summer," Brown is quoted by the Spanish sports daily Marca.

"We agreed this even before the preseason began.

"He just wants to win races, it's the only thing for him, and we want him to continue.

"I don't know if he has any offers - I don't check his cell phone - but we have an agreement that he's not going to commit to anyone until we have our talks," Brown added.

Gallery: All the pictures from Saturday's action in Shanghai

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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.