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Alonso leads tributes to mentor Adrian Campos

Fernando Alonso and a host of Spanish drivers paid a heartfelt tribute to team boss Adrian Campos the man who mentored the two-time world champion's formative years in motorsport.

The former Minardi F1 driver and Campos Racing team boss died on Wednesday at the age of 60, a sudden passing that has shocked and saddened the motorsport community.

Campos was instrumental in promoting Alonso's career during its early stages, guiding the young gun to a championship title in the 1999 Euro Open by Nissan series.

"One of the saddest days for the motorsports family," Alonso tweeted on Thursday.

"A driver and great promoter of this sport. Thank you for dreaming about Formula 1. Thank you for believing in young people."

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, also paid tribute to his countryman.

"Very sad day for the death of Adrián Campos, undoubtedly a reference of our sport in Spain and internationally. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends."

Sky F1 presenter Karun Chandok who raced for HRT, the team Campos had helped found, also offered a few heartfelt words in memory of his friend and team boss

"Very sad to wake up to news that Adrian Campos has passed away," he wrote. "I did my first GP2 test with him at the end of 2006 and remained friends ever since.

"A true racer who always enjoyed a chat about all things motorsport and a lovely man. Deep condolences to Campos Racing and his family."

Finally, former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa who raced for HRT in his final season of F1 spoke of how Campos had spurred on his dreams.

"The first F1 race I attended was to see him, Paul Ricard 1987," said the Spaniard.

"I’m sorry I never told you. Thank you Adrian for being that reference and motivation to follow our dreams. DEP."

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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.