Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Marchionne wanted Alfa Romeo-branded engine for Toro Rosso

Fiat-Chrysler president Sergio Marchionne apparently tried to convince Toro Rosso to accept an Alfa Romeo-branded power unit for 2016, according to German website Autobild.de.

Marchionne was keen on having the group's iconic subsidiary enter Formula 1 as an independent engine manufacturer, but ultimately Red Bull refused to foot a bill estimated at around 30 million euros to cover development costs, which put a halt to the plan.

Toro Rosso's power will be supplied by Ferrari this year although the Faenza-based outfit will use a one year-old specification engine.

In spite of its power-unit specification lag, Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost is still confident in his team's prospects: "It's still a step forward for us."

Junior bull Max Verstappen was equally confident, claiming the performance level of Toro Rosso's new contender will increase by as much as one second a lap compared to the outfit's 2015 chassis.

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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.