Hirotoshi Honda has nothing but sympathy for Fernando Alonso

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Hirotoshi Honda, the son of the legendary Soichiro Honda who founded the Japanese manufacturer, understands Fernando Alonso's disappointment in the McLaren-Honda project.

The partnership's three-year unmitigated disaster led to a divorce between the two parties, and one which couldn't have happened too soon as far as Alonso was concerned.

Hirotoshi Honda, who is the founder of Mugen Motorsports, has nothing but sympathy for the two-time world champion.

"Alonso is a young, intelligent and captivating man," Honda told France's L'Equipe.

"I can easily understand the reason for his great disappointment.

Hasegawa departs F1 in Honda reshuffle

"The professional life of an athlete is very short and it's stressful to lose three years at such an important moment in his career. But it's not my fault, please ask Honda!" said the 75-year-old business magnate.

Honda is moving its engine supply to Toro Rosso for 2018 and has also initiated management changes which will see F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa shuffled out of the top position.

"My father was a real fighter who hated being second," added Hirotoshi Honda.

"Shortly before his death, when Senna could no longer win, my father complained from his hospital bed.

"I'm sure of one thing," he concluded

"The Japanese have a culture of fighting in Formula 1. We are probably very polite, but we can fight."

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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.