Ferrari boss Marchionne says Alfa’s presence in F1 could serve as an opportunity to develop rookie Italian drivers, perhaps as a stepping stone before progressing to other teams like Scuderia Ferrari.
Ferrari recently inked a deal with Antonio Giovinazzi, though the 23-year-old Italian will be a third driver behind veterans Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. Ferrari itself hasn’t had an Italian driver since 2009 when Giancarlo Fisichella served as backup to Felipe Massa.
A year ago Marchionne strongly suggested Alfa should return to F1. “It’s incredible how the Alfa marque remains in people’s hearts,” Marchionne said. “For that very reason we are thinking about bringing it back, as our competitor.”
(picture below, when Alfa used to race in F1)
