Toyota lining up Alonso for LMP1 test!

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Speculation that Fernando Alonso could race for Toyota at Le Mans in 2018 has ramped up following reports the Spaniard is set to test for the Japanese manufacturer later this month.

According to Motorsport.com, the McLaren driver is close to a deal to drive a Toyota TS050 Hybrid at the official World Endurance Championship rookie test scheduled in Bahrain on November 19.

Alonso is likely keen to sample an LMP1 car as he targets racing at Le Mans in the future.

Alonso praises McLaren for letting him venture beyond F1

"We are always interested in talking to top drivers and Pascal [Vasselon, TMG technical director] has a good relationship with Fernando going back to his days with Michelin in F1," said Toyota team director Rob Leupen.

Toyota is expected to remain in the WEC next year, although it has yet to formally confirm its commitment.

"We are looking to stay - and only with the goal of winning," said Shigeki Tomoyama, Toyota's head of motorsport, at last month's Tokyo motor show.

Fernando Alonso apparently visited the manufacturer's racing base in Cologne recently, likely for preliminary discussions and a seat fitting.

The two-time world champion recently extended his contract with McLaren, but a key provision was that he would be allowed the freedom to race at Le Mans in 2018 as the endurance classic does not clash with the F1 calendar.

Alonso will also race in the Rolex 24 at Daytona early next year for United Autosports, the team co-owned by McLaren executive director Zak Brown.

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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.