Alfa Romeo and Sauber extend partnership into 2021

©AlfaRomeo

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Alfa Romeo and Sauber Motorsport have announced that they will extend their partnership into the 2021 Formula 1 season.

The relationship between the two companies started in 2018 on the basis of a sponsorship deal before Alfa Romeo took over the Swiss outfit's identity.

The partnership also evolved beyond the racetrack with Sauber Engineering involved in the design, development and manufacturing of Alfa Romeo’s new Giulia GTA and GTAm models.

While the two parties will continue to work together until at least the end of the 2021 season, Alfa Romeo Racing has yet to confirm its driver line-up for next year, but Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi are both expected to be retained by the Hinwil squad.

©AlfaRomeo

Alfa has so far endured a challenging 2020 campaign, with just five points scored year-to-date. But team boss Frédéric Vasseur believes the Swiss outfit will bounce back in 2021.

"The extension of our relationship with Alfa Romeo is a true statement of intent from both parties," said Vasseur.

"In Sauber, Alfa Romeo found a committed, performance-driven partner to which they could entrust their brand: we are honoured to carry the heritage and past success of Alfa Romeo in our name.

"Both parties always intended for this relationship to bear fruit in the long term: we have laid some solid foundations in the last three season and we aim to reap the rewards of this work in 2021 and beyond."

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Fiat-Chrysler chief executive Mike Manley highlighted the benefits for Alfa's customers of the company's collaboration with Sauber.

"Racing and performance are at the core of Alfa Romeo’s DNA," said Manley.

"The brand was practically born on a racetrack and today we continue to compete at the most technologically advanced level of motorsport.

"The partnership with Sauber also allows our customers to benefit from exclusive racing know-how, as it is the case of the all-new Giulia GTA and GTAm, which incorporate Sauber Engineering’s technical input particularly as it relates to advanced aerodynamics."

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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.