Alfa Romeo will be returning to Formula 1 after more than 30 years away from the sport. The Italian marque – owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles – today signed a multi-year technical and commercial partnership agreement with the Sauber F1 Team for participation in the Formula 1 world championship beginning with the 2018 season. The Swiss team will thus be renamed 'Alfa Romeo Sauber F1,' sport Alfa Romeo branding and run 2018-spec Ferrari engines.
Sergio Marchionne, CEO of FCA, said: “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. 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 Alfa Romeo engineers and technicians, who have already demonstrated their capabilities with the newly-launched models, Giulia and Stelvio, will have the opportunity to make that experience available to the Sauber F1 Team. At the same time, Alfa Romeo fans will once again have the opportunity to support an automaker that is determined to begin writing an exciting new chapter in its unique, legendary sporting history.”
The last time Alfa Romeo was seen on the Formula 1 grid was back in 1985 when Ricardo Patrese and Huub Rothengatter piloted the Benetton-sponsored 185T and 184TB. It was a dismal season for the team as they failed to score any points. – Staff Writer (Picture: WikiMedia Commons)
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