Domenicali: 'Alonso needs to get it right, he deserves it'

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Former Scuderia boss Stefano Domenicali, who managed Fernando Alonso during his tenure at the helm of the Italian squad, is hoping the Spaniard can find a way back to success.

Domenicali led Ferrari's F1 efforts from 2008 to 2014, just missing out on the world title with Alonso in 2012.

The 52-year Italian who now heads Lamborghini is hoping for his former driver's resurgence in 2018, although he also recognizes the McLaren-Honda driver's current quandary.

"It is clearly a difficult situation he is in," Domenicali told Spanish sports newspaper AS.

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"It's not easy for him to make a decision. But Fernando certainly deserves the best -- he's very great, we all know that.

"I hope he can chose a good option and get it right because he deserves it.

Domenicali says he is happy with his post-F1 life as the Lamborghini chief, but he remains involved with the FIA at the single seater commission.

Porsche, another brand of the Volkswagen group, announced that it is contemplating a future in Formula 1 as an engine supplier.

Could Stefano Domenicali eventually find his way back into F1?

"Stefano belongs in F1, and will return to F1," said a source at The Formula One Group.

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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.