Sauber Group names Alunni Bravi as new managing director

The Sauber Group, which operates the Alfa Romeo F1 team, has appointed board member Alessandro Alunni Bravi as its new managing director.

Alunni Bravi - the former team principal of the Trident Formula 2 outfit and the manager of Mercedes Formula E charger Stoffel Vandoorne - has been part of Sauber's General Counsel since 2017.

The Italian has also acted as the legal advisor to ART Grand Prix, the junior outfit founded by Alfa Romeo team boss and Sauber Group CEO Frederic Vasseur.

In his new capacity as managing director, Alunni Bravi will focus at Hinwil on marketing, communications, sales, legal, IT and finance, and will report directly to Vasseur.

"Alessandro has been an integral part of the growth of our company, on and off the track, in the last few years and I am excited about the contribution he will make in his new position," said the Alfa team boss.

"Few can match his knowledge of motorsports with that of business and the complex legal landscape in which we operate, and this makes Alessandro the right person for this challenge."

Read also: Bottas sets 'no one loses hope' target for Alfa Romeo

"I am delighted to step up to this new position," commented Alunni Bravi.

"It’s an honour to take on the challenge of being Managing Director of a company with the successful history that Sauber has.

"I am also aware of the responsibility that this position brings towards the more than 500 people employed by Sauber, a commitment I will meet with hard work, passion and dedication.

"I'd like to thank Frédéric Vasseur and the Sauber Group shareholders, as well as all those who have been by my side these last years, making it possible for me to achieve this next step.

"There is much work ahead but I'm excited to begin this new adventure."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.