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Alonso yearns for 'a clean battle' at Interlagos

It hasn't been a productive period lately for Fernando Alonso with the McLaren driver failing to see the checkered flag in the last two races.

As the curtain slowly closes on the Spaniard's time in F1, he aspires to fight a good couple of battles in the final installments, starting with the penultimate round of the world championship which takes place on the outskirts of Sao Paulo this week.

"I’m excited to return to Interlagos because it’s an incredible circuit and I’ve always enjoyed racing there," Alonso said ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"It’s a track where many great races have taken place and it’s always a little bit unpredictable.

"I’m also looking forward to putting the last two race weekends behind me and focussing on extracting the performance we have been working hard to maximise in our car, but haven’t been able to show."

A car swap is coming between Fernando Alonso and Jimmie Johnson!

Indeed, Alonso's mileage was cut short at the outset in Austin when a collision put him out of the race on the opening lap.

The 37-year-old veteran's fortune were just as bad in Mexico when an overheating issue caused by debris force him into retirement after just three laps.

"I haven’t had the chance to fight for a couple of grands prix now, so I hope we can have a clean battle and show what’s possible," he added.

"The Brazilian fans are always super passionate and it’s clear Interlagos is one of those legendary tracks that is so famous in the motorsport world.

"Great champions have driven on this circuit, and with this year’s cars it’ll feel even faster and more exciting than before."

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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.