JANUARY 5, 2016

Alfa Romeo debut needs F1 team support says Marchionne

Alfa Romeo would need to ally with a team in order to enter formula one, Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler president Sergio Marchionne said on Monday.

Alfa Romeo would need to ally with a team in order to enter formula one, Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler president Sergio Marchionne said on Monday.

Recently, Marchionne suggested that the fabled Italian carmaker, who powered F1's first world champion Giuseppe Farina to the inaugural title in 1950, could return to the pinnacle of motor racing.

And as Ferrari made its debut on the Milan stock exchange on Monday, he declared: "It (Alfa Romeo entering F1) is undoubtedly possible.

"How that is done, we still have to see. It would be difficult for Alfa Romeo to return without the support of another team.

"First, we focus on the introduction of the new Giulia (road car). However, for an association with formula one, that would be ideal," Marchionne added.

Marchionne said that other manufacturers should also think about entering F1.

"I think the Germans (BMW) were wrong to leave in 2008-2009. Personally, I encourage all the manufacturers to enter F1," he said.

(GMM)