Alfa Romeo will return to Formula 1 following a 30-year absence after agreeing a technical and commercial partnership with the Sauber F1 team.
The deal will see the Sauber team renamed, becoming Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, and the cars will be adorned with Alfa Romeo badges. The team will use 2018-spec Ferrari engines as originally planned for next season.
"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," commented Fiat Chrysler Auotmobiles CEO, Sergio Marchionne.
"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."
Sauber chairman Pascal Picci added that the team were honoured to be working with the Italian manufacturer in F1.
"We are very pleased to welcome Alfa Romeo to the Sauber F1 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," said Picci.
"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."
Alfa Romeo Sauber have yet to confirm their driver line-up for the 2018 season, though with even stronger ties to Ferrari now, it's believed Charles Leclerc and Antonio Giovinazzi are favourites.
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