War of words ignites between Alonso and Ralf Schumacher

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Fernando Alonso and Ralf Schumacher are embattled in a bitter dispute involving the Spanish driver's karting complex in Spain.

This weekend, the European karting championship is taking place at Alonso's facility, the Fernando Alonso Karting Campus.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has entered his KSM team in the event, but admits he's not a fan of the track at all.

"For the first time since I joined karting again it feels totally wrong to race at a track like this," said Ralf, saying the circuit is damaging karts and endangering the "health" of the drivers.

The venue was unfortunately in the spotlight for the wrong reasons in April when an 11-year-old Spanish karter died from injuries sustained in a crash at Alonso's circuit.

Responding in Montreal to Schumacher's comments, Alonso took the derogatory remarks from his former F1 rival personally.

"I think Ralf has been out of the headlines for many years and needs some publicity," said the McLaren-Honda driver.

"He also has a kart track where he wants to host a European championship event himself, and perhaps the FIA is not happy with it," Alonso added.

"I think only Ralf is breaking things, so he may need to tell his drivers to stay on the asphalt.

"Maybe he's running out of money."

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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.