Alonso untroubled by rookie Vandoorne

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Team mates have come and gone for Fernando Alonso who does not sees rookie Stoffel Vandoorne as a major threat... at least not yet.

The last time Alonso was paired with a F1 debutante was in 2007 when the man on the other side of the McLaren garage was none other than Lewis Hamilton, a relationship which did not work out too well for the Spaniard back then.

But the two-time world champion very much doubts that history could repeat itself.

"He (Vandoorne) is not a driver to fight for the title against me now, because our goal is something else," Alonso said.

" We must fight but also work together and help the team to make this difficult period as short as possible."

Vandoorne doubts McLaren win potential in 2017

Alonso insisted however that the situation took nothing away from Vandoorne's genuine talent.

"He is a very good driver, he brings fresh air, he's very talented as he demonstrated in GP2 and in Japan last year.

"I remember when I went back to Renault I had Piquet. Then came Grosjean who was also going to be very fast and was not.

"The same happened at Ferrari with Felipe (Massa): he was at Ferrari for many years and he was not faster. Then Kimi (Raikkonen), who everyone said is a world champion but he was not faster.

"So let's see what happens now. I'm not worried, I'm not afraid," said Alonso.

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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.