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Alonso delighted to see Button join WEC trail

Fernando Alonso has welcomed former McLaren team mate Jenson Button to the World Endurance Championship following the Briton's announcement that he'll be joining the fray with Russian squad SMP Racing.

Button will dovetail his Super GT commitments in Japan with a super season of LMP1 sportscar racing, starting at Le Mans in June.

"I knew about this a few months ago," Alonso said.

"I'm happy for Jenson -- SMP Racing is a very strong team. The more good drivers join the WEC, the better it is for the championship."

Button gets super-season WEC LMP1 drive with SMP Racing

The Spaniard kicks off his own WEC programme - and his hectic 2018 schedule - next weekend at Spa with Toyota.

"Yes, I'm saving energy," the Spaniard smiled in Azerbaijan.

"It's necessary to plan how much energy is required, so I think not in the short term but in the long term," Alonso added.

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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.