Prost named special advisor to the Renault F1 team

40

Four-time world champion Alain Prost will act as a special advisor to the Renault F1 team, putting his experience to use for the benefit mainly of the team's drivers.

A long-time Renault ambassador, and a former driver of the Regie, Prost was also named a member of Renault Sport's executive committee, according to RS president Jerome Stoll.

Prost specidied that he would not have a da-to-day involvement with Renault but would provide counsel and guidance to the team and its drivers.

"What is important is that Renault can be competitive and win as soon as possible," Prost said.

"It's not first time I am involved in Renault, but to be clear I will not have a day to day role, it will be more behind.

"Sometimes it is good to have this kind of situation, being on committees is important – important to give the best decision and best strategy to be a winning team in the future."

Renault RS17 2017 F1 car breaks cover!

Prost also said he was eager to attend pre-season testing next week in Barcelona, and curious to see first-hand the performance of the 2017 cars.

"I am very excited - as you can imagine looking at the size of the car it looks like the old days when we had the big tyres," Prost added.

"I am going on Monday to Barcelona, and will be curious to see what they [the drivers] say. With the fast corners it will be tough for them physically.

"It will be good for F1 – you needed a new cycle, I hope we can bring new followers and new spectators, and I hope young spectators."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.