The return of the Alfa Romeo name to Formula 1 is set to be given the backing of the championships top chiefs at its official launch with Sauber in Italy on Saturday.
Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne will hold a press conference at Alfa Romeo’s Storico museum near Milan tomorrow to explain the reasoning behind bringing the famous Italian marque back to F1 at this moment.
The significance of the Alfa Romeo brand push in F1 has become clear though, with F1 boss Chase Carey and FIA president Jean Todt both due to attend the event where Sauber’s 2018 driver line-up may finally get confirmed.
Carey and Todt’s presence is especially intriguing because it comes against the backdrop of Marchionne having threatened last month to quit F1 after 2020 amid unhappiness about plans for new engine rules.
Ahead of the launch event, Autosport has created a mock-up of what an Alfa Romeo-liveried Sauber could look like in 2018.
The Alfa Romeo deal with Sauber includes sponsorship, and a likely full rebranding of the car in the company’s red and white corporate colours.
There will also be strategic, commercial and technological co-operation in development areas, which will include the sharing of Alfa Romeo’s engineers and technical personnel.
Joining Marchionne at the press conference will be Sauber chairman Pascal Picci, who has been weighing up over recent weeks which driver to put in alongside Ferrari protege and Formula 2 champion Charles Leclerc, who expected to get a seat.
Marcus Ericsson has emerged as favourite to retain his seat, having the backing of the team’s Swedish financiers, while Ferrari-affiliated Antonio Giovinazzi could be handed a reserve or third driver role if he does not get a race seat.