Sauber is set for a major financial boost following the rebranding as Alfa Romeo Racing for the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The new name, which was announced late last week, comes as part of an ever closer relationship with the Italian company and engine supplier Ferrari with both brands coming under the Fiat-Chrysler umbrella.
It is reported the rebrand also sees a doubling of Alfa Romeo's sponsorship deal from $50m to $100m per year with the ambition of giving the Swiss-based operation a budget similar to McLaren.
That, however, may just be the start of the benefits thanks to the combination of an iconic team name and Kimi Raikkonen, one of F1's most popular and most experienced drivers.
"I think it's a long process - step by step," team boss Fred Vasseur said of the rebuilding of Sauber, which almost collapsed in 2016.
"We signed a good deal with Ferrari for engines and then Alfa Romeo joined and we are much more attractive for other sponsors and for recruitment also.
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"[Kimi] will be a reference, which is important for the engineers just to be focused on the car," the Frenchman added.
"I think we are still a young team, because we are also turning the company around a lot, and to have this kind of leader will be very helpful."
Last year, with new Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc behind the wheel, Sauber enjoyed a year of great progress despite only finishing eighth in the Constructors' standings.
But having ended the year often battling in the top 10, moving up and potentially challenging for fourth or fifth can be the target for 2019.
