No Le Mans seat for Alonso in 2018

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Both Porsche and Toyota have discarded the prospect of including Fernando Alonso in their respective Le Mans line-ups for 2018.

In his quest for the Triple Crown - winning the Monaco GP, the Indy 500 and the Le Mans 24 Hours - Alonso is hoping to race in the endurance classic in the near future.

With only two LMP1 teams - Porsche and Toyota - currently fielding potentially race-winning entries, the Spaniard's opportunities are limited. But both teams have poured cold water o the possibility.

"At the moment it’s not on the table on our side because we only have two cars and I do not see that changing for next year," Porsche boss Andreas Seidl told Motorsport.com.

"With the six drivers we have right now, we are very happy. We have no seats available.

"It would have been easier in 2015 with the third car. We had talks there, it didn’t work out in the end. At the moment there are no options available on our side."

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In the Toyota camp, although the Japanese manufacturer enjoys a three-car entry in the World Endurance Championship, Rob Leupen also rejected the idea of including Alonso next year.

"From my point of view, it has to be balanced within the team," Leupen said.

"It’s not a priority to get a big name in. There is no focus on this at all.

"Of course you would listen [if he approached Toyota], but for us it’s not something we would say we are interested in. Not at all."

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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.