Hamilton belittles Alonso's Indy 500 rivals

©McLaren

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Lewis Hamilton apparently isn't all that impressed with the drivers racing against Fernando Alonso in this weekend's classic Indy 500.

The McLaren driver tackles the 'greatest race on earth' tomorrow in a bold move which have many in admiration and others puzzled about the Spaniard's endeavor.

Alonso qualified P5 on the 33-car grid for tomorrow's event, an impressive result. Except in the eyes of Lewis Hamilton.

"I looked at the times and, frankly, for his first ever qualifying for Fernando to be fifth -- what does that say about Indy?" the Mercedes driver told France's L'Equipe.

However, Hamilton defended his former McLaren teammate's decision to tackle Indy.

"A great driver, if he cannot win in Formula 1, will look for other races to win," said the Briton, before smiling.

"But to see him fifth against drivers who are there all year is ... interesting."

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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.