F1 News, Reports and Race Results

'Indy 500 deal impossible with Ron Dennis', admits Alonso

Fernando Alonso insists that his surprise deal to race at next month's Indy 500 would have never happened under the McLaren reign of Ron Dennis.

Alonso's deal was initiated and brokered by McLaren's Zak Brown, a man undoubtedly more open minded than his predecessor at Woking.

Asked during Friday's media session if his former boss would have green lighted the idea, the Spanish driver had his doubts.

"I guess not," Alonso said. "Zak is a man that has a bigger vision than other team principals or bosses that I had.

"He sees motorsport differently, he sees McLaren bigger and no longer concentrated [exclusively] on F1. McLaren won Le Mans [in 1995].

"He is a true racer, so it is great that McLaren had Zak come on board last year."

Alonso also confessed that he would not be heading to Indy if he was currently driving a competitive car in F1.

"If the car was competitive this year, and we had 43 points together with the other guys, you cannot afford to lose a 25 points possibility missing one race."

"Things would be different if we were competitive."

On the subject of Le Mans, asked when he thinks he would get a chance to race in the legendary 24-hour event, Alonso offered a tongue-in-cheek-response.

"I don't know, it's between Canada and Baku isn't it..?"

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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.

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