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Huge Alonso crash causes Australian GP to be stopped

A huge crash for Fernando Alonso has caused the Australian Grand Prix to be stopped.

Alonso was attacking Esteban Gutierrez and using DRS approaching the braking point for Turn 3 when the McLaren clipped the rear of the Haas, breaking its front right suspension. Alonso was then a passenger as his car hit the outside wall at high speed, dug in to the gravel trap and was sent somersaulting in to the barrier.

Amazingly, Alonso climbed out of the car and appeared to only be shaken by the incident but without injury. Gutierrez's car was less heavily damaged and he too was uninjured.

The incident occurred with Gutierrez having yet to pit but Alonso on new soft tyres.

The race was immediately brought under control under the safety car and then red flagged with huge debris in the area requiring clearing up. Sebastian Vettel was leading from Nico Rosberg at the time of the stoppage, which lasted for 20 minutes.

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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.