Prost turned down active F1 role at Renault

While he remains Renault's most prestigious ambassador, four-time World Champion Alain Prost will not be assuming any sort of active role in association with the French manufacturer's return as a fully-works team to Formula 1.

It was thought at one point that Prost would perhaps inherit duties similar to those currently taken up by Niki Lauda at Mercedes as a non-executive chairman of the German constructor's F1 activities.

But while he remains a close consultant to Renault, and to CEO Carlos Ghosn in particular, Prost will remain on the outer spheres of the manufacturer's F1 management.

"I really didn't want to get involved on a half-time basis as it is not my style, and you simply can't do everything," Prost told F1i.

"In the interests of clarity, it was better that I not appear as part of the company's structure. It's all or nothing when it comes to Formula 1, and I really didn't feel like immersing myself totally once again by going to all the races, managing the team or spending the week at the factory.

"If you wish to succeed , you've got to give 100 percent and personally, I just don't have the commitment. Half-hearted measures would have only led to confusion towards the team's management, and that is something I did not want."

Although Prost will remain in close proximity to Renault's F1 outfit, his main priority this year lies with Formula E in which the Renault-eDams team, of which he is a co-founder, is a clear favourite to take the series 2016 title.

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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.

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