Marchionne wants Alfa Romeo back in Formula 1!

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Few didn't pick up on our April Fool's put-on last Saturday which 'revealed' that Alfa Romeo would be taking over McLaren in 2018.

While the story was obviously a fantasy, the potential presence in Formula 1 of the legendary brand certainly isn't.

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne just reiterated his will to see the symbolic Quadrifoglio badge back in Grand Prix racing.

In an interview with the FIA's Auto, Marchionne spoke of Ferrari's involvement in Formula E but also of Alfa's return to the pinnacle of motor sport.

"I have two things in mind," said the Canadian-Italian executive.

"The first is that we need to be involved in Formula E because electrification via hybridisation is going to be part of our future.

"The second is to see Alfa Romeo back racing in Formula One again someday, because I believe very strongly it’s a place the brand should be.

"At this stage, I don’t know how likely it is that either of those two things will happen. But the fact that we are talking about them is a good sign in itself."

Alfa Romeo F1 return in the works?

Marchionne has personally overseen the re-invigoration of the Alfa Romeo brand globally in the past years.

A presence in Formula 1 - either as a works team or as an engine manufacturer - would certainly help restore the legend of a name which provided the very foundation for Enzo Ferrari's historic endeavor.

"The instantly recognisable thoroughbred character of Alfa is something that few other brands can claim or even aspire to," Marchionne added.

"Today the brand is ready to retake its rightful position as one of the world’s leading premium car brands."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.