Media reports claim Alfa Romeo could be in trouble after their 2020 car failed a crash test this week.

Before their new designs can roll out for pre-season testing next February, all teams must have passed the mandatory tests to ensure each car meets the FIA's strict safety standards.

However, Germany's Motorsport Magazin was the first to reveal Alfa's new C39 suffered a structural failure during the dynamic frontal test, requiring the team to produce a new chassis.

According to the report, that setback could cost the Swiss team upto a month putting them on the back foot to be ready for the first pre-season test between February 19-21.

Any delay could be particularly detrimental with testing cut back to six days ahead of the Australian Grand Prix compared to eight in previous years.

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This season saw the rebranded Sauber team finish eighth in the Constructors' standings with the bulk of points coming early in the year via Kimi Raikkonen.

The only exception was Interlagos, where the Finn and teammate Antonio Giovinazzi finished fourth and fifth and the Italian is keen to ensure a strong start to 2020.

"Me and Kimi will work really hard this winter, try to have a good baseline for the start of the season," he said via RaceFans. 

"After that, if you have a good baseline it’s much easier to work on the development. We need to have a good baseline for the first session in Barcelona."