Photo: WTCC media

Alfa Romeo to return in 2007

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Alfa Romeo is expected to announce their return to WTCC next year, within a couple of weeks. The Italian manufacturer is present with two cars this year, but not with official backup. During last autumn Alfa Romeo decided to not continue developing the 156-model for racing in WTCC.

Instead the Italian manufacturer is expected to return to WTCC next year with the new 159-model.

“Alfa Romeo at the moment are studying the project with regards the 159,” WTCC boss Marcello Lotti told Autosport.

“I know that Claudio Berro [Alfa Romeo Motorsport Manager] has started to look at the management of the brand project. I spoke with him last week and I think in the next two or three weeks we know exactly the detail of this.”

Though Alfa Romeo has not officially confirmed any plans for the coming season yet. But Lotti is confident that we will see the Italian manufacturer back on track officially next year.

“I think and I hope they will come. We have a three-year agreement with them [to have Alfa in the WTCC], and this is now the second year. We have also agreements signed for 2007.”

“They have to be involved in 2007. They have an agreement signed and that they confirm to us that they are taking part in the championship. I fully expect an announcement in the next couple of weeks.”