Alfa Romeo returns to F1 29 | 11 | 2017
THE ICONIC ALFA ROMEO name will return to Formula 1 next season. When the cars roll out for their 2018 pre-season testing, they will include the newly-badged Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. (Related: Bottas fends off Hamilton to win GP finale)
The new partnership, which sees Sauber continue to be powered by Ferrari engines, will include "strategic, commercial and technological cooperation" and an "exchange of engineering and technical know-how", according to a team statement.
The new partnership is a result of the negotiations for an enhanced partnership between Ferrari and Sauber.
As part of the new agreement, next season Sauber is expected to run Ferrari protege and Formula 2 champion Charles Leclerc. It’s also considering whether to continue with Marcus Ericsson in the second car or replace him with Antonio Giovinazzi - another Ferrari junior.
"This agreement with the Sauber F1 team is a significant step in the reshaping of the Alfa Romeo brand, which will return to Formula 1 after an absence of more than 30 years," Ferrari chairman, Sergio Marchionne, said.
Related: Alf Romeo Stelvio SUV starts at £33,990
"A storied marque that has helped make the history of this sport, Alfa Romeo will join other major automakers that participate in Formula 1.
"The brand itself will also benefit from the sharing of technology and strategic know-how with a partner of the Sauber F1 team's undisputed experience."
The new partnership was also welcomed by Sauber chairman Pascal Picci, who admitted Alfa was an ideal partner for his team.
"Alfa Romeo has a long history of success in grand prix racing, and we are very proud that this internationally renowned company has chosen to work with us for its return to the pinnacle of motorsport," Picci said.
"Working closely with a car manufacturer is a great opportunity for the Sauber Group to further develop its technology and engineering projects.
"We are confident that together we can bring the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team great success, and look forward to a long and successful partnership."
Next season will be the first time Alfa has been involved in F1 since its works team project of 1979-85. The last time the famous Italian marque had a high-profile motorsport programme since its touring car efforts of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Related: Alfa Romeo launches Giula Veloce
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill