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Alonso to demo Alpine F1 car at Le Mans

Fernando Alonso will join the festivities at Le Mans next weekend where the Spaniard will demo an Alpine F1 machine during a parade dedicated to the legendary French manufacturer.

Alonso - a two-time winner at Le Mans with Toyota - will lead the pre-race celebrations that will include a field of Alpine cars, including an A110 GT4 car driven by Hungarian Grand Prix winner Esteban Ocon.

Pierre Thiriet, 2019 Le Mans LMP2 winner, will be at the wheel of an Alpine A470 LMP2, while Monte Carlo rally FIA R-GT Cup winner Manu Guigou will showcase an Alpine A110 Rally.

Even Alpine boss Laurent Rossi will join in on the fun, driving an Alpine A110S.

Read also: Alonso says early criticism of F1 return was 'a blessing'

Alonso's demo run will be the first time in the modern history of Le Mans that a F1 car will take to the legendary track, although the two-time world champion won't run at full speed around the 13.6-kilometer circuit.

It is anticipated that Saturday's parade event will prelude the announcement by Alpine of a Hypercar program in the World Endurance Championship.

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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.