Alonso hails 'perfect execution' by Wayne Taylor Racing

©Rolex24

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Rolex 24 winner Fernando Alonso praised the Wayne Taylor Racing crews for delivering a flawless performance all week at Daytona and for offering him an "amazing experience".

The 2019 edition of the endurance classic was shortened by several hours after appalling conditions - which had wreaked havoc on the race since the early hours of the morning - forced organisers to red flag the event and ultimately call it a day.

Alonso, onboard the #10 Konica Minolta Cadillac, had taken the lead from ex-F1 racer Felipe Nasr before the race was halted.

"It’s amazing," Alonso told NBCSN. "Just an amazing experience with this team, from the test and now the race – a perfect execution of the race.

"Very different conditions, and we’ve been competitive in everything – dry, wet, night and day. Really happy for the team and all the guys."

Alonso and WTR win rain-shortened Rolex 24

The Spaniard was in a league of his own most of the time, running at one point, during the night a and in the rain, two seconds faster than his rivals.

While Alonso hailed his team's flawless execution, team boss Wayne Taylor was quick to return the courtesy.

"I can’t even put it into words," said Taylor.

"Just everything, all has to come together, having these guys – I took nine months to get [Alonso] to agree! I have to say thanks to Zak Brown [McLaren CEO] for making this happen.

"Fernando Alonso is one of the most impressive guys I’ve ever seen, when I heard him come on the radio and absolutely talking in fear I suddenly realised… Let’s not race anymore!"

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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.