The first car developed a part of the new Alfa Romeo-Sauber partnership is to be launched on February 20, the team announced on Monday.

Part of a renewed relationship with engine supplier Ferrari, the Alfa name returns to Formula 1 for the first time in over three decades as a technical partner, with team boss Fred Vasseur hoping it is just a first step back for the Italian brand.

The Swiss team is also hoping 2018 will see a marked improvement after three troubled seasons impacted by financial problems, with the most upto date power unit made at Maranello in the back and one of the hottest prospects in recent years in Charles Leclerc alongside Marcus Ericsson.

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Last season Sauber slipped to the bottom of the Constructors' standings with former driver Pascal Wehrlein scoring their only points in Spain and Baku, however, with an all-new car, which will be named the C37, being created, the Hinwil outfit is one the likes of Haas, Williams & Toro Rosso will have to keep an eye on.