Four-time F1 world champion Alain Prost says he came close to running for president of the FIA, but his belated candidacy would not have been accepted.

Last month, motorsport's governing body enthroned Mohammed ben Sulayem who defeated Britain Graham Stoker with 62% of the votes to succeed long-standing former president Jean Todt.

But the election to helm the venerable institution almost included a third candidate.

"I'll tell you a secret: I was on the verge of running for president of the FIA, but it was too late," Prost told France's L'Equipe.

"I've been in Formula 1 for almost 40 years, in all positions, from driver to team boss to being on several board of directors [McLaren, Renault and Alpine].

"I also led the GPWC [an alternative world championship breakaway series that threatened F1 in 2009], so it’s a role that could have pleased me."

Prost, a former non-executive director of Alpine who left the Enstone squad last week, insisted that he isn't seeking employment in F1

"I'm not looking for something specific," he said. "I just want to be happy and work with a group of people with whom I can have fun."

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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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