Fuji mulls WEC date change to accommodate Toyota and Alonso!

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It appears the World Endurance Championship will spare no effort to accommodate Fernando Alonso - or Toyota, with Fuji mulling a date change to allow the Spaniard to race in Japan.

The McLaren driver has committed to Toyota for a season of endurance racing this year, with Le Mans the central piece of Alonso's Triple Crown ambitions.

The WEC Fuji round scheduled for October 17th clashes with the US Grand Prix however, barring therefore the two-time world champion from racing in Japan as his F1 commitments take precedence over his WEC schedule.

Alonso joins Toyota for Le Mans and WEC assault!

Toyota could rely on its significant clout with the WEC and the Fuji organizers however, and intervene to encourage a date change for the fifth round of the endurance series with the Japanese manufacturer eager to capitalise on the presence of its star driver at its home race.

The WEC has put together a season which spans over 2018 and 2019, starting at Spa in May and concluding at Le Mans in 2019.

Alonso's deal with Toyota does not currently include the 2019 rounds of the WEC as Formula 1 has yet to define its schedule for next season.

This year, the Spanish driver will be paired with Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima on-board the #8 Toyota.

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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.