Alfa Romeo rolls out one-off tricolor Baku livery

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The Alfa Romeo F1 team's C42 will race in a special one-off tri-color livery this weekend in Baku as the manufacturer celebrates the launch of its Tonale SUV.

Alfa's new car is the Italian manufacturer's first step into the automotive world of hybrid and electric power and will make its entry this weekend into the marque's main European showrooms.

And Alfa is relying on its sporting heritage and on its Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN partner to promote its new product, with the Swiss outfit draping the C42 chargers of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou with a classic Italian green, white and red livery.

Read also: Bottas says trouble-free Friday will unleash Alfa potential

"The colour green is a nod to the Montreal Green hue used in Tonale’s launch, but also a strong link to Alfa Romeo’s identity for the transition to a more responsible and sustainable concept of mobility, while remaining faithful to its sportiness, driving dynamics and premium quality," said the team ahead of this weekend's round of racing in Baku.

"The new livery, designed by Alfa Romeo’s own Centro Stile, is of course also a tribute to the Italian flag and another step in the cementing of the strong links between the legendary automotive brand and the Sauber Group, a deep co-operation bringing together two historical brands and leveraging thirty years of Formula One know-how to create new strategic strengths."

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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.