Sauber announce multi-year deal with Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo will return to Formula 1 as the title sponsor of the Sauber F1 team from 2018 onwards.
The Italian brand will end a 33-year absence from F1, with a multi-year technical partnership with Sauber beginning next year.
The team will run 2018-specification Ferrari engines with an Alfa badge.
“This agreement with Sauber is a significant step in the reshaping of the Alfa Romeo brand, which will return to F1 after an absence of more than 30 years,” Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne said.
“A storied marque that has helped make the history of this sport, Alfa Romeo will join other major automakers that participate in F1.
“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.
“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.”
Sauber chairman Pascal Picci said he was looking forward to a “long and successful partnership.”
“We are very pleased to welcome Alfa Romeo to the Sauber F1 Team,” he 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.”
Formula 2 champion Charles Leclerc and Marcus Ericsson are set to drive for the team next season but are yet to be confirmed with the latter facing stiff competition from Ferrari junior Antonio Giovinazzi.