Speaking at the launch of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia in Italy, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles boss Sergio Marchionne has once again suggested that the legendary marque could return to the sport.

Whilst an engine supplier to numerous teams over years, including a title-winning partnership with Brabham, Alfa Romeo enjoyed two spells in the sport as car constructor and engine manufacturer.

Following its last foray, a disappointing six-year partnership with Osella whose best result was 5th in Dallas in 1984, rumours of a return have regularly done the rounds.

Then, late last year, speaking to reporters at Ferrari's Christmas lunch, Marchionne suggested that Alfa Romeo could return.

"It's incredible how the Alfa marque remains in people's hearts," he said. "For that very reason we are thinking about bringing it back, as our competitor, to racing, to Formula One. It's important for Alfa to return."

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in February, he reiterated his desire to see the legendary name back racing, with F1 the only discipline in mind.

"In order to establish their sporting brand they must consider returning to Formula 1," he said. "They would probably work with Ferrari."

Asked if Alfa might consider WEC, and in particular Le Mans, he replied: "I would much rather put them in Formula One.

"Alfa Romeo are capable of making their own chassis, just like they are capable of making their own engine," he added.

Tantalisingly, three months later the dream still flourishes, and whilst Marchionne insists a return is possible, much will depend on sales of the company's new road car.

"I do not know if Alfa Romeo will join F1, but if it does it will not be simply as an engine supplier, but as a full factory team, like Ferrari" he told reporters. "Though much will depend on the success of the Giulia and how many cars we sell.

"It will require serious funds," he added. "To invest in racing you need to sell a lot of cars and today we are only at the beginning of a long road."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by wolfie57, 12/05/2016 14:40

"Wake up guys! Brabham never won a title with Alfa Romeo engines, they did win the odd race, famously with the Fan Car that was banned after winning in Sweden i think, maybe Holland, in 1978...or 79?"

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2. Posted by Jonno, 12/05/2016 9:25

"Would Marchionne be given another 50 million skimmed off the top and a double veto?
"

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3. Posted by NS Biker, 11/05/2016 23:38

""It will require serious funds," he added. "To invest in racing you need to sell a lot of cars and today we are only at the beginning of a long road."

This may be the way Ferrari does business, but any "normal" commercial enterprise goes racing to sell cars, not the other way round. The new cars do look tremendous, so here's hoping they can pull it off.
For my needs, an estate version of the Giulia (with a 6 speed) would be useful and almost justifiable.
"

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4. Posted by edllorca, 11/05/2016 13:48

"Yak yak yak. Buy Sauber and get on with it or stop bring it up."

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5. Posted by @R1Racing71, 11/05/2016 13:33

"Is this sowing the seeds for a potential partnership/takeover of Sauber perhaps?"

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Alfa Romeo return to F1 would be "complete package"

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