AlphaTauri has launched its 2020 Formula 1 programme, marking a new era for the operation that has previously competed as Toro Rosso and Minardi.
Its new identity was formally launched during a fashion-based event in Red Bull’s Hangar-7 in Salzburg on Friday evening.
It also provided a glimpse of its new-look Formula 1 car, the ATO1, with which it will compete in Formula 1 this year.
The squad can trace its history back to the early 1980s and competed in Formula 1 as Minardi from 1985 through 2005, becoming a fan-favourite backmarker, prior to its acquisition by Red Bull.
Red Bull renamed the team Toro Rosso, as a nod to its Italian heritage, and it became recognised as the drinks company’s junior outfit.
Last year plans were unveiled for the team to be rebranded as AlphaTauri for 2020, in order to greater promote the clothing brand introduced by Red Bull in 2016.
‘Tauri’ is a nod to the Taurus (the bull) constellation while ‘Alpha’ is a nod to being a leader.
AlphaTauri will continue to field Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat for the 2020 season.
Gasly, having started 2019 at Red Bull, returned to the fold mid-season in a seat swap with Alexander Albon, and recorded a shock second place at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Kvyat, meanwhile, returned to the team after spending 2018 as Ferrari’s development driver and notched up a surprise podium at the rain-hit German Grand Prix.
It meant Toro Rosso ended the campaign sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, equalling its best classification from 2008, as it finished just two points shy of Renault.
AlphaTauri will continue to be powered by Honda, with the engine manufacturer pledging its future to Formula 1 – and both Red Bull teams – through at least 2021.
Its ATO1 will make its full public debut when testing begins at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday.
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