The two parties began their association at the beginning of last season with the Italian brand becoming a technical partner and title sponsor of the Swiss team, as part of closer ties to engine supplier Ferrari.

 

It was a collaboration which reinvigorated Sauber's performance as they scored 48 points and regularly battled inside the top 10 thanks to rookie Charles Leclerc en route to their best year since 2015.

 

Now their relationship has gone a step further with Alfa Romeo officially taking over the naming rights of the squad, marking the first time they have competed as a constructor since 1985.

 

It is not the first time Sauber has run under a manufacturer entry with the team running as BMW Sauber between 2006-2009, this is, however, the first time the name has not featured on the grid since they joined in 1993.

 

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"It is a pleasure to announce that we will enter the 2019 Formula One World Championship with the team name 'Alfa Romeo Racing'," team boss Fred Vasseur said on Friday.

 

"After initiating the collaboration with our title sponsor Alfa Romeo in 2018, our team made fantastic progress on the technical, commercial, and sporting side.

 

"This has given a boost of motivation to each team member, be that track-side or at the headquarter in Switzerland, as the hard work invested has become reflected in our results.

 

"We aim to continue developing every sector of our team while allowing our passion for racing, technology and design to drive us forward."

 

For 2019, Alfa Romeo Racing will have the experience of 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen alongside Ferrari member Antonio Giovinazzi, with the Italian taking part in his first full season.