Is Mercedes eyeing Alonso for 2017?

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Championship leader Nico Rosberg is out of contract at the end of this year, and should he decide to part ways with current employer Mercedes, the German manufacturer could begin courting Fernando Alonso.

Mercedes Chairman Dieter Zetsche said in Barcelona last weekend that both the team's drivers "are under contract for the forthcoming season".

While motorsport boss Toto Wolff expressed his preference with continuing with both Hamilton and Rosberg, he also admitted that the contracts had yet to be finalised.

Asked about Mercedes interest in hiring Fernando Alonso to replace one of its drivers, and with the Spaniard having offered his services to Mercedes at the beginning of last year, Toto Wolff said he would welcome the McLaren driver but remained focused on finalising the team's contractual arrangements with Rosberg.

"Fernando is one of the best drivers in history and I like his character, but our priority now is Nico," Wolff told Spanish paper El Mundo.

"When he spoke to us, we could not negotiate as we promised Lewis that while we tried to renew his deal we would not talk with other drivers and we did not.

"But if Rosberg does not want to renew, then we will consider other options, like Fernando. His age is not a problem - his speed and his motivation are still there."

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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.