Alonso sidelined again from media day in Brazil

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For the second race in succession, Fernando Alonso has been forced to prioritize his health over his F1 media duties.

The Aston Martin driver will miss Thursday’s media day at Interlagos ahead of this weekend Sao Paulo Grand Prix as he takes additional time to recover from an ongoing intestinal infection.

The issue first surfaced ahead of last weekend’s race in Mexico City, where Alonso skipped Thursday’s engagements but reported for duty on Friday for the remainder of the event’s schedule.

However, with the infection apparently persisting, the two-time F1 world champion felt compelled to return to Europe earlier this week to consult with a specialist and undergo further medical treatment.

This decision has inevitably delayed his arrival in Brazil, forcing him to skip Thursday's media commitments.

Read also: Alonso’s 400th race marred by brake issue in Mexico

“Fernando will miss his media day activities in Brazil. Fernando had suffered with an intestinal infection in the lead up to the Mexico City Grand Prix,” Aston Martin said in a statement released to the media.

“He returned to Europe to receive further treatment from a specialist. The extra day of treatment has delayed his travel plans to Brazil but ensures he will be ready for this weekend's racing.”

Alonso’s brief return to Europe underscores the lengths the 43-year-old Spaniard is going to safeguard his health in a taxing 24-race calendar that’s now approaching the season’s final stretch.

As a reminder, this weekend’s round of racing at the Autodromo José Carlos Pace also features a Sprint race, which will only add to the drivers’ demanding schedule across all three days.

Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who took part in FP1 last week in Mexico City, is present in Brazil and will be on call at Interlagos just in case.

Alonso will be eager to put last weekend’s disappointment behind him. A retirement on his 400th Grand Prix was a bitter pill to swallow for the F1 veteran.

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix will hopefully offer the Spaniard an opportunity to regain momentum and return to form.

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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.