CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Sergio Marchionne wants Alfa Romeo to return to Formula One as its own independent team.
Marchionne hinted at an Alfa Romeo F1 project last year, but no further details emerged. Alfa Romeo is owned by FCA, which is investing a lot of money in the Italian car maker over the next few years to challenge the likes of Mercedes and BMW in the luxury car market, and Marchionne sees Formula One as the perfect platform to give the brand the level of recognition it needs.
"In order to restore their name they must consider returning to Formula One," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "They would probably work with Ferrari."
Asked whether Ferrari would make the chassis for Alfa Romeo, Marchionne said: "No, Alfa Romeo are capable of making their own chassis, just like they are capable of making their own engine."