Michael Andretti to handle strategy for Alonso at Indy

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Fernando Alonso will get help and instructions directly from Andretti Autosports boss Michael Andretti when he launches his Indy 500 effort next month.

Andretti, who called strategy for his son Marco last year at the Brickyard, has assigned himself to the F1 driver's crew which shall also include the team's technical director Eric Bretzman as Alonso's race engineer.

The McLaren driver will rush off to Alabama after Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix to attend the Motorsports Park IndyCar race and get himself acquainted with his new environment.

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Andretti, who raced for McLaren in F1 in 1993 but never succeeded in winning the Indy 500, believes Alonso won't have much difficulties getting himself up to speed with the culture and customs of racing in Indiana.

"One good thing is about this is that we know how to deal with rookies, and we’ll have to consider Fernando a rookie," said Andretti

"But we know what a talent he is, too, and he’ll be up to speed very quick, running right there with his teammates.

"Then the next step will be getting him in traffic. We’ll do that when he feels comfortable running by himself, and we’ll work from there.

"The advantage that he has is a lot of teammates there to help him out, if he’s got any questions. The four veterans that are on the team will be more than happy to help him and will go out of their way to help him.

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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.