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Alesi sells valuable Ferrari F40 to help fund son's career

Ex-F1 driver Jean Alesi decided to sell his Ferrari F40 to fund his son Giuliano's second season in the FIA Formula 2 championship

Formula 1's feeders series - F2 and F3 - will kick off their respective campaigns in Austria alongside motorsport's main category.

However, just like F1, both junior championships are basking in financial problems due to the coronavirus, with teams struggling to meet ends and sponsors currently few and far between.

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Alesi criticized Liberty Media for not including the F2 and F3 in its efforts to mitigate the effects of the current crisis, and the Frenchman is predicting difficult times ahead for the feeder series.

"This year will be a nightmare," the former Ferrari driver told Sky Sports. "We have been talking about a budget cap but nothing was agreed for Formula 2.

"They didn’t change the price of the fee, of anything, so I’m sure a lot of drivers will not finish this season. That will be a disaster season for Formula 2 drivers.

"So I hope in this big mess something will change and will give the opportunity of these drivers who make a big investment not only on the money side but also in the life side because they quit school, they quit university because they dream to be a racer and nobody is looking after them."

Alesi is doing his part to help his 20-year-old son up the motorsport ladder. Even selling one of his prize personal possessions - worth over $1 million - to support Giuliano's career.

After undergoing a year of learning in F2 with Trident in 2019, the young Frenchman, a member of Ferrari's Driver Academy, has switched to the German HWA outfit for 2020.

"I’m very very sad about that because I’m an ex-Formula 1 driver, I have connections but I had to sell my Ferrari F40 to give the budget of my son to race in Formula 2," explained the one-time Grand Prix winner.

"And why? Because it’s almost mission impossible to find sponsorship. And in the meantime, in front of you you have just the prices of the tools – too expensive, and nobody wants to change it. So that will not stay forever.

"In the family, we do things with a passion and to have a Ferrari F40 in the garage or to see my son racing is no comparison," he added.

"I prefer him racing and the F40 – I’m too old now to drive it!"

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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.