Italians make comeback
THE MOTORPORT LAP/ Alfa Romeo is set to make a return to F1 in 2018
Although the 2017 Formula One (F1) season concluded in Abu Dhabi two weekends ago, news has emerged that one of the famous Italian automotive brands, Alfa Romeo, will be returning to the sport in 2018 following a more than 30-year hiatus from racing.
This will be part of a multiyear agreement with the Sauber F1 Team, where the Italian marque’s livery will be seen on the 2018 Sauber F1 Team cars. These will be powered by Ferrari engines come 2018 and it will be interesting to see how this collaboration pans out
“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. 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.
“Alfa Romeo fans will once again have the opportunity to support a car maker determined to begin writing an exciting new chapter in its unique, legendary sporting history,” says Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
It was the first race of the allelectric Formula E season in Hong Kong, China this past weekend where Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra Racing) took overall victory ahead of Edoardo Mortara (Venturi Formula E) in second. Third podium spot went to Mitch Evans. The next race will take place in Marrakesh on January 13 2018.
Seasoned racing driver Simon Murray debuted his new Ginetta G57 at Kyalami Racetrack this past weekend and set the new outright fastest lap — a blistering 1:43.212 — in the first Pirelli Sports and GT race before going on to dominate the nonchampionship SA Endurance series one-hour race, winning by more than a lap.
Thed Björk and Polestar Cyan Racing made history this past weekend to claim two FIA World Touring Car Championship titles in the season finale of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) at Losail International Circuit, Qatar.
Björk has become the first Swedish racing World Champion as Volvo Cars, Polestar and Cyan Racing claim their maiden motorsport world titles.
“To become the first Swedish racing World Champion is something I have dreamt about since I started racing. I can’t put words to my feelings, but this is by far the greatest moment of my racing career. The season finale went according to plan and I thank everyone in the team” said Björk.