Alonso reveals his toughest rival in F1

In a career spanning 15 years, Fernando Alonso has dealt with many outstanding drivers, but the two-time world champion believes that only one man emerges from the pack in terms of rivalry.

Alonso says that Michael Schumacher remains to this day the greatest opponent he ever battled with out on the race track.

"Michael was really special," he told Auto, Motor und Sport.

"Of all the drivers I raced he was undoubtedly the most talented. Everyone respects Michael, he is a legend. For my generation he will always be the man who dominated Formula 1.

"It was a privilege for me to have been given the opportunity to race against him and fight him for the world championship."

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Alonso underlined a few of Schumacher's qualities which elevated him to the status of perhaps F1's greatest champion.

"He was tough and never gave up, making the most of every opportunity that came his way. He gave it his best every single time.

"I remember so well the 2006 season when we battled for the title until the very last race. When the Bridgestones were performing he was unbeatable, but when the Michelin's had the edge he was still he was still a force to be reckoned with.

"Even when you had the perfect weekend and succeeded in depriving him of some big points, he would still finish third or fourth! Only Michael could do that."

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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.