Alonso 'excited' to go back to Monaco after Indy break

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It's been 24 months since Fernando Alonso last raced on the streets of Monte Carlo, the McLaren driver missing last year's race when he fulfilled his ambition of running in the Indy 500.

The Spaniard hasn't closed the curtain on Indy and will likely return to the Brickyard in the future but for now, Monaco and its diverse set of challenges await the two-time world champion.

"Heading back to Monaco will be really exciting after a little break last year!" he says.

"I loved the Indy experience of course, but Monaco is also a really special place to go racing, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a famous venue for a Grand Prix.

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"It’s one of the most technically challenging circuits of the year simply because of the level of skill and concentration you need to get around lap after lap 78 times, as well as negotiating the traffic, strategy, weather and everything else this crazy race throws at you.

"I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel there for the first time in two years and seeing how our car performs."

McLaren's recently upgraded 2018 car will hopefully perform well on a track where top speed - a significant weakness for the MCl33 - is relatively insignificant.

But for all the diligent preparation a team and driver will assume, imponderables and pitfalls remain woven into Monaco's fabric.

"For sure, we know the limitations of our package, and a slow-speed track such as this requires a totally unique set-up compared to anywhere else on the calendar, but it’s up to everyone to adapt and get the most out of our equipment.

"Monaco is one of those tracks that tends to level the playing field a little and it’s a bit like throwing a dice.

"As we saw in Spain, even if you qualify well it doesn’t mean you won’t fall victim to drama which can change things around.

"So, we need to maximise everything on Saturday, and then fight hard on Sunday to earn as many points as possible."

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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.