Montezemolo lauds 'not easy character' Alonso for Daytona win

He perhaps wasn't the easiest driver to deal with at the Scuderia, but Fernando Alonso's win at Daytona last weekend warranted a big accolade from former Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo.

Alonso put his outstanding talent to good use in Florida with Wayne Taylor Racing, hammering home his superiority over his rivals with a series of scintillating stints - in the night and in the rain - that helped deliver a Rolex 24 win to the US outfit.

Montezemolo was in Rome on Monday, a guest of honour at the presentation of a book dedicated to Ferrari driver Ignazio Giunti, who was killed in 1971, and lavished praise on Alonso for his 24-hour achievement.

Fernando Alonso's wet and wild Rolex 24 in pictures

"I am very happy, Fernando is a great driver," said the former Ferrari boss.

"He often had difficulties in being a team player, but together with Schumacher and Lauda he was the strongest of all time at Ferrari.

"I have fond memories of him in Maranello, he didn't have an easy character but he always gave everything.

"I only regret that in 2010 and 2012 he did not manage to win the Formula 1 world championship, even though he fought until the end ".

Alonso won 11 of his 32 Grands Prix with the Scuderia over the course of his four-year stint with the House of Maranello, achieving with the Scuderia his last career win in F1, which he enjoyed on home ground in Barcelona in 2013.

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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.