Alonso 'sad' at complete Russian GP failure

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Fernando Alonso called it a day even before the Russian GP got underway when the Spaniard's McLaren encountered an engine problem on the formation lap to the grid.

It was McLaren-Honda's second successive non-start after Stoffel Vandoorne's pre-race failure in Bahrain.

It was also Alonso's first DNS since the 2005 United States Grand Prix.

"It's obviously frustrating," said Alonso to the BBC.

"Four races of the championship, four DNFs and this time we didn't even make the start. We are need able to even participate in the Grand Prix.

"That's sad but there's nothing we can do now.

"We come here we drive as fast as we can, we help the team as much as we can and we prepare the next Grand Prix. Hopefully the next will be a little bit better. "

Asked whether Honda's inability to solve its issues had now reached an 'unacceptable' level, Alonso said it wasn't up to him to judge.

"That's more a question for the bosses of the team and the McLaren group in general. I'm just a driver. I come here and drive as fast as I can. The team has to look at the bigger picture."

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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.