Fuji WEC round gets new date to accommodate Alonso!

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The World Endurance Championship has changed the date of the 6 Hours of Fuji, moving the race forward to October 14 and paving the way for Toyota's Fernando Alonso to take part in the Japanese round.

The initial date clashed with the US Grand Prix in Austin and would have obviously forbid Alonso from travelling to Fuji as the Spaniard's McLaren commitment takes precedence over his Toyota deal.

Alonso impressed with his Toyota: 'A very special machine'

Toyota likely lobbied WEC organisers to achieve a date change, aware of the strong commercial impact and visibility Alonso's presence would generate in Japan.

However, the new date now means the Fuji round will clash with the final round of America's IMSA series, the Petit Le Mans weekend at Road Atlanta.

Several WEC drivers are committed to run at the Petit Le Mans event. It's doubtful they'll be impressed with the organiser's decision to modify the calendar, and trade one clash for another, just to accommodate one team and its driver.

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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.