CAR NEWS

Audi Q7 TFSI E Quattro: Luxury, space and efficiency – Step by step, Audi is putting its new electrified models on the road. Presales of the Q7 TFSI e quattro (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 3.0–2.8; combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km*: 22.9–21.9; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 69–64) have just started in Germany and other European countries.

The SUV, whose plug-in hybrid drive combines a three-liter V6 gasoline engine with a powerful electric motor, is available in two power levels. The top-of-the-line version offers a system output of 335 kW (456 PS) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of system torque (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 3.0–2.8; combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km*: 22.9–22.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 69–64), while the second version delivers 280 kW (381 PS) and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 3.0–2.8; combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km*: 22.4–21.9; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 69–64).

Two power units and a quattro drivetrain: drive and transmission

Like every plug-in hybrid model, the Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro** relies on the power of its two hearts. One of the brand’s most modern engines serves as the combustion engine – the 3.0 TFSI.

The turbocharged, refined V6 delivers an output of 250 kW (340 PS) and 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque. It is certified according to the Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard and is fitted with a gasoline particulate filter as standard.

A permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM), which is characterized by a high power density and compact design, serves as the electric motor.

The PSM, which delivers a peak output of 94 kW and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) of torque, is integrated in the housing of the eight-speed tiptronic. Together with the coupling, which connects the combustion engine to the drivetrain, it forms what is known as the hybrid module.

The power for the electric motor is supplied by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that is positioned under the luggage compartment floor and provides an energy capacity of 17.3 kWh at a voltage of 308 volts. Its 168 prismatic cells are divided into 14 modules that lie on top of each other on two levels.

The battery cooling system, which also covers the charger, forms a separate low-temperature circuit. If necessary, it can be connected to the coolant circuit for the air conditioning system or the second low-temperature circuit, which cools the electric motor and power electronics. It converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery (HV) into three-phase current to power the electric motor. During recuperation, the electric motor functions as an alternator and feeds direct current back to the lithium-ion battery.

A quick and smoothly shifting eight-speed tiptronic transfers the forces of the two motors via the quattro drivetrain to all four wheels. It is equipped with an electric oil pump that ensures lubrication in all operating states.

The core of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive is a center differential with purely mechanical regulation that distributes the torque between the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60 in normal driving operation. When required, it transfers the majority of it to the axle with the better traction.

Two power levels: the Q7 60 TFSI e with 335 kW and the Q7 55 TFSI e with 280 kW

The different designs of the electric motor allow Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro** customers to choose between two power levels that differ in terms of their boost strategy, for example.

The Q7 60 TFSI e quattro** achieves a system output of 335 kW (456 PS) and has a system torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 3.0–2.8; combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km*: 22.9–22.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 69–64) – that’s 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) more than the TFSI generates alone.

When both power units work together in boost mode, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h (155.3 mph). Up to speeds of 135 km/h (83.9 mph) the electric motor can generate the drive alone.

The Q7 55 TFSI e quattro** delivers 280 kW (381 PS) and a system torque of 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 3.0–2.8; combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km*: 22.4–21.9; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 69–64). It sprints to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.9 seconds. The electric motor can also generate the car’s drive alone up to a speed of 135 km/h (83.9 mph), and a speed of 240 km/h (155.3 mph) can be reached in cooperation with the combustion engine.

In electric operation, both Q7 variants achieve the same range of up to 43 kilometers in accordance with the WLTP procedure. In many countries and cities, their owners can benefit from tax advantages or even enjoy local traffic privileges such as free parking or driving in the bus lane. In Germany, both plug-in hybrid models benefit from the company car regulation for electric cars: The vehicle is taxed only at a flat rate of 0.5% of the gross list price.

For maximum efficiency: the predictive operating strategy

Whether you are driving short or long distances, in the city, on country roads or the highway: The hybrid management of the Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro** choses the optimum operating strategy for each journey automatically. It is designed such that drivers can cover a large section of their daily journeys on electric power. The “EV” soft key in the lower of the two MMI displays allows them to decide whether and how they want to adjust the interaction of the two power units at any time.

The SUV starts in fully electric “EV” mode. A loudspeaker in the right wheel arch emits a synthetic e-sound to warn pedestrians and cyclists in city traffic. In accordance with the EU guidelines, this acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) can be heard clearly up to 20 km/h (12.4 mph) and gradually fades out as the speed increases. The gasoline engine is activated only when the driver depresses the right-hand pedal, the “active accelerator pedal,” beyond a specific level of resistance.

“Hybrid” mode offers two operating modes: “Auto” and “Hold”. In “Auto” mode, the predictive operating strategy is activated automatically when route guidance is started in the standard MMI navigation plus.

The battery charge is spread intelligently along the route, with large electric portions in the city and in stop-and-go traffic. In most cases, the TFSI engine accelerates the vehicle and the electric motor provides support as needed. When accelerating from low rotational speeds, for example, it bridges those tenths of a second that the turbocharger needs to build up pressure, ensuring that the drive has a very spontaneous response. Generally speaking, the predictive operating strategy endeavors to drive as far as possible on electric power and to use the available battery charge completely by the time the destination is reached.

A different strategy is used in “Hold” mode: In this case, the battery’s existing state of charge is kept at the current level with just minimum fluctuations. This is done by recovering brake energy, i.e. recuperation and shifting the load point – in other words, by means of targeted interventions in the management of the 3.0 TFSI. Following a long-distance journey that is driven the conventional way, for example, this allows the subsequent urban drive to be covered on purely electric power, i.e. without emissions and nearly silent.

The vehicle’s operating strategy plans the management of the drives and uses a variety of data, always with the aim of optimizing ride comfort and reducing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions. When it comes to planning long-distance journeys, it takes the length and profile of the route as well as online traffic information and the driver’s driving style into account. In the short-term forecast, which runs in parallel, the standard predictive efficiency assist (PEA) system contributes information from the immediate environment taken from the navigation data, for example speed limits, types of roads and uphill and downhill gradients. The data from the camera and radar that monitor the traffic ahead is also included here.

Even greater efficiency: freewheeling and recuperation

The phases in which the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal are also important for the efficiency of the Q7 with plug-in hybrid drive. The PEA takes over the regulation in such situations. In addition to the navigation data, it also takes the distance to the car in front into account and then decides between freewheeling with the TFSI switched off (“gliding”) and recuperation, i.e. the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electric energy. In overrun mode, the Q7 TFSI e quattro** can recover up to 25 kW of power and feed it back to the lithium-ion battery.

When operated as an alternator, the electric motor performs all light and medium brake applications up to 0.3 g, which make up more than 90% of all deceleration processes in everyday customer operation. The hydraulic wheel brakes are activated only in the case of heavier deceleration processes. Thanks to sophisticated fine tuning, the transition, also known as “blending,” between the electric and hydraulic brakes is virtually imperceptible; the brake pedal always provides good feedback and can thus be modulated precisely. During a brake application, the hybrid SUV achieves a recuperation power of up to 80 kW.

When the optional adaptive cruise assist including the radar cruise control is active, the PEA assists the driver not only with decelerating but also with fuel-efficient acceleration. If it is switched off, the driver receives prompts that indicate when it would be sensible to take their foot off the right-hand pedal. The driver feels an impulse in the active accelerator pedal and sees information displayed in the Audi virtual cockpit (standard) and on the head-up display (optional). Detailed symbols, e.g. for intersections, town signs and vehicles driving in front, explain the reason for the reduction in speed.

In the Audi virtual cockpit and on the display of the standard operating system MMI touch response, the driver can view a variety of information on electric driving: power meter, range and the current energy flows of the two drive units. As the central display element, the power meter provides information on the maximum electric performance as well as coasting or braking recuperation, for example.

Up to seven ride characters: the Audi drive select system

In addition to the “EV” soft key, the driver of the Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro** can influence the ride character at a second level: the Audi drive select system. The driver can use the ride profiles “comfort,” “efficiency,” “auto,” “dynamic,” “individual,” “allroad” (with the optional adaptive air suspension) and “offroad” to influence the setup of the drive, air spring suspension and steering.

Depending on the settings, the way in which the drives work together changes when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal. In the “dynamic” profile of Audi drive select and in transmission mode “S,” the electric motor supports the 3.0 TFSI with a pronounced boost function for high levels of dynamism and agility. When the foot is taken off the accelerator pedal, freewheeling is blocked in this setting; the electric motor thus recuperates whenever the foot is taken off the right-hand pedal.

Sporty character: the Q7 60 TFSI e quattro

The Audi Q7 60 TFSI e quattro delivers a system output of 335 kW (456 PS) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of system torque. Its sporty appeal is reinforced by the standard S line exterior with a full paint finish in the body color and striking design details at the front and rear ends. The look is completed by the black styling package and the Matrix LED headlights. Red brake calipers are installed behind the 20-inch wheels and the adaptive air suspension provides a great range from taut handling to comfortable rolling.

The interior of the Q7 60 TFSI e quattro** features the interior S line/S line sport package. This includes sport seats with S line embossing, black headlining and aluminum inlays. When the doors are opened, LED lights in the door sills project the four rings onto the ground. Most equipment features are also available for the Audi Q7 55 TFSI e quattro** upon request.

Convenient charging on the road

The charging socket of the new plug-in hybrids is located in the rear section of the left sidewall, opposite the tank filler neck. The Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro** can be charged conveniently at public charging terminals while on the road, using the standard mode 3 cable with a type 2 connector. Upon request, Audi’s own charging service, the e-tron Charging Service, provides access to more than 110,000 charging points in Europe. Customers can use a single card to charge at terminals from numerous different providers.

Charge management from the couch: the myAudi app

The myAudi app allows customers to use the services from the Audi connect portfolio on their smartphones. They can also check the battery and range status, start charging processes, program the charge timer and view the charge and consumption statistics. The charging stations are listed in both the app and the vehicle’s navigation system.

Another function of the myAudi app is the pre-entry climate control even before setting off. For this function, the compressor of the air conditioning system and the standard thermoelectric heater booster in the vehicle use power from the high-voltage battery or the socket. Customers can determine how the interior should be heated or cooled while the SUV is parked or the battery is being charged. Depending on the equipment, they can also activate the steering wheel and seat heating as well as the seat ventilation using the pre-entry climate control system, either via the myAudi app or via the timer in the vehicle.

The Audi Q7 60 TFSI e quattro** can now be ordered at a base price of EUR 89,500 in Germany and the Audi Q7 55 TFSI e quattro** is available for a base price of EUR 74,800. The market introduction will begin at the end of 2019.

Fuel consumption of the models listed

(Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and efficiency classes given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used)

Audi Q7 60 TFSI e quattro

Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.0–2.8; Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 22.9–22.2; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 69–64

Audi Q7 55 TFSI e quattro

Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.0–2.8; Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 22.4–21.9; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 69–64

BENTLEY MOTORSPORT ACADEMY TO DEVELOP FUTURE MOTORSPORT TALENT WITH TEAM PARKER RACING: – Bentley Motorsport has launched a new initiative in partnership with customer team Team Parker Racing, to nurture new racing talent and provide a pathway to GT racing with the brand.

The Bentley Motorsport Academy will provide three aspiring drivers – selected from a pool of eight – with a bespoke programme of on-track activity including five races in the World Challenge GT Europe Endurance series in Bentley’s highly successful Continental GT3 racer, as well as a host of off-track support and mentorship.

The initiative will run from January to October 2020, with the three successful drivers being selected after final tests at Portimao in Portugal from 11-13 Dec 2019.

Members will train alongside factory Bentley drivers and will benefit from a tailored educational programme that covers every aspect of modern racing, to ensure that they develop a rounded skill set that meets the highest expectations.

As well as the five-race GT Europe Endurance series races, Academy members will also take part in shakedown testing of Bentley’s Continental GT3 race cars and will attend official tests at Paul Ricard in France, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Monza in Italy, Silverstone in the UK and Nürburgring in Germany.

Academy Drivers

Elsewhere, Academy drivers will receive tuition and support in a wide variety of off-track areas, including:

• Physical training, mental toughness and nutrition
• Media and PR training, negotiation and self-promotion
• Vehicle dynamics, engineer engagement and simulation sessions

The programme will be fully supported by customer Bentley Continental GT3 outfit, Team Parker Racing. The independent, family-run squad has been a Bentley Motorsport partner since 2016 and won the 2017 British GT Championship title.

Andy and Stuart Parker, who run the team, are the third generation of the Parker family to be Bentley owners.

“WE WANT TO CREATE A SYSTEM THAT NURTURES AND DEVELOPS THE NEXT WAVE OF RACING TALENT AND MAKES BENTLEY THE DESTINATION BRAND FOR GT RACING.”

TEAM PRINCIPAL, STUART PARKER

“THE PROGRAMME WILL FOCUS ON DRIVER PROGRESSION, WITH A CLEAR LINK WHERE THEY CAN RACE WITH BENTLEY. THE BENTLEY MOTORSPORT ACADEMY WILL BE A TRAINING GROUND FOR DEVELOPING NEW AND EXCITING GT RACING TALENT AS THE NEXT GENERATION OF BENTLEY BOYS.”

PAUL WILLIAMS, BENTLEY’S DIRECTOR OF MOTORSPORT

As well as enjoying the experience and mentorship of factory Bentley drivers, Academy members will run in race suits almost identical to the works drivers, while their race cars will feature similar liveries to Bentley’s centrally-run race cars. The three inaugural members of the Academy will be unveiled at the Autosport International Show in January 2020.

VW T-Roc Cabriolet Production begins in Osnabrück – Manufacture of Volkswagen’s new T-Roc Cabriolet started a few days ago at the Osnabrück plant. The plant’s facilities, including the production and logistics operations, were comprehensively optimized in advance for the VW brand’s only convertible.

At the ceremonial start of manufacturing in front of staff at the plant today;-

“THE VEHICLE WAS IN LARGE PART DEVELOPED IN OSNABRÜCK. NOW IT IS BEING PRODUCED HERE TOO. IT IS A GENUINE CHILD OF THE SITE. A SITE THAT IN THE PROCESS HAS BEEN ABLE TO FULLY DEMONSTRATE ITS STRENGTHS. THE TEAM DID A LOT OF WORK TO BRING THE T-ROC CABRIOLET HERE AND ARE NOW FINALLY REAPING THE REWARD FOR THEIR EFFORTS. PRODUCTION, ASSEMBLY AND LOGISTICS HAVE BEEN EXTENSIVELY MODERNISED FOR A HIGH DOUBLE-DIGIT MILLION EURO AMOUNT AND ARE OF AN EXCELLENT STANDARD. OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TOO WE WILL BE INVESTING FURTHER IN THE SITE ON A SIMILAR SCALE – PREDOMINANTLY IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE T-ROC CABRIOLET.”

–ANDREAS TOSTMANN, VOLKSWAGEN MANAGEMENT BOARD MEMBER – PRODUCTION

“WE’VE GOT A LONG TRADITION OF MAKING CONVERTIBLES HERE AT THE OSNABRÜCK SITE. IT’S ONE OF OUR CORE AREAS OF EXPERTISE. THE ENTIRE TEAM IS PROUD TO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF MAKING THE VOLKSWAGEN BRAND’S ONLY CONVERTIBLE. WE WORKED HARD FOR IT.”

-JÖRG MÜLLER, MANAGEMENT TEAM SPOKESPERSON

The Volkswagen’s T-Roc Cabriolet is the soft-top variation of the successful Crossover T-Roc, which was added to the VW brand product portfolio in November 2017. The new convertible with SUV genes offers a striking design, raised seating position and high level of functionality. Open-air enjoyment starts at the press of a button, with the soft top opening in just nine seconds.

In addition to the T-Roc Cabriolet the multi-brand Osnabrück plant also manufactures the Porsche Cayman.

2020 Honda CR-V: America’s Favorite Crossover Gets Significant Upgrades in Technology, Features and LX Powertrain.

         *All-new electrified CR-V Hybrid to join the lineup early next year

         *America’s most popular crossover recently reached 5-million sales mark 

The refreshed 2020 Honda CR-V, an updated take on America’s most popular crossover, begins arriving in US dealerships with a refreshed exterior design, new and upgraded features, and a new turbocharged powertrain for the popular LX trim, along with standard Honda Sensing® technologies on all grades. With cumulative U.S. sales now topping the 5-million-unit mark, the 2020 model looks to extend CR-V’s position as the best-selling crossover in America over the past 22 years.

The 2020 CR-V goes on sale with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starting at $25,0501 (excluding destination and handling charges) for the front-wheel-drive LX model, an increase of just $600 despite the addition of Honda Sensing and a more powerful and efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged engine to the LX trim. An all-new, even more powerful and fuel-efficient hybrid-electric CR-V will join the lineup early next year.

2020 Honda CR-V

All 2020 CR-Vs benefit from new front and rear exterior styling cues, including a redesigned front bumper and grille, and new headlight designs. EX and EX-L trims also get redesigned alloy wheels, while Touring grades get new 19-inch (+1 in.) wheels and tires. The 2020 model also debuts three new exterior colors: Radiant Red Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Aegean Blue Pearl.

Inside, CR-V’s spacious and tech-savvy cabin gets a redesigned center console with more conveniently located USB ports and more flexible storage space, while the line-topping CR-V Touring adds a heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging.

Mechanically, the biggest change to the 2020 CR-V is the addition of the 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injected engine for the popular LX trim, which replaces a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine. For the LX, this means more power (+6 horsepower), a flatter torque curve (179 lb.-ft. @ 2000-5000 rpm vs. 180 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) and a higher EPA fuel economy rating (+2 mpg city/highway/combined).

Importantly, the CR-V LX also gets Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, extending these popular features throughout the CR-V lineup.

ADVANCED POWERTRAINS

All gasoline-powered 2020 CR-Vs now feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injected powerplant rated at 190 horsepower (SAE net) and 179 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net), delivering refined and responsive performance across the engine’s full operating range. Available in front-wheel-drive or with Honda Real Time all-wheel drive, power is transmitted through a sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with smooth-shifting Honda G-Shift control logic.

SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR STYLING

The 2020 Honda CR-V’s more upscale and distinctive presence comes courtesy of a new blackout grille, and broad new openings for the fog lights. EX, EX-L and Touring trims get new, round LED fog lights. The added sophistication continues in back with dark-tinted taillight lenses, a dark chrome tailgate garnish and more darkly tinted rear glass. EX and EX-L trims get newly designed 18-inch wheels with a dark gray and machined finish, while the Touring trim’s new, larger 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and tires (+1 inch) raise the bar on the Touring’s stance and upscale demeanor. Touring trims also get new chrome exhaust finishers. Three new exterior colors come to the CR-V – Sonic Gray Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, and Aegean Blue Pearl – expanding to eight the number of color choices available for CR-V.

Inside, all 2020 Honda CR-Vs get a redesigned center console that is easier to use, with more flexible storage options, while CR-V Touring trims now come standard with Qi-compatible wireless cell phone charging. Other in-vehicle technologies include a color TFT driver information interface (DII) center meter display, available 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. Additional available tech includes remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB), rear USB charging ports, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support, and heated front seats.

ADVANCED SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Beginning with the 2020 model year, all Honda CR-V trims come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Honda Sensing® includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Additional driver-assistive technologies include the available blind spot information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and Auto High Beam headlights.

The 2020 CR-V also incorporates the latest generation of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and targets the highest collision safety ratings. These include a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)3 and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention with Honda Sensing.

Antonio Giovinazzi extends his Alfa Romeo Racing contract in Formula 1, this was announced by Alfa Romeo. The Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi will fly high the Alfa Romeo colors in the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, racing alongside world champion Kimi Räikkönen. This was announced during the presentation of the new MY2020 Giulia and Stelvio cars against the splendid backdrop of Valle d’Itria in Apulia. 

Alfa Romeo Racing team’s announcement coinciding with today’s location and event was not coincidental: indeed Alfa Romeo decided to present the most important new products of the year in the birthplace of the Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi to further consolidate the connection that continues to bind the Alfa Romeo brand and Sauber Motorsport.

MY2020 Giulia and Stelvio

The limited edition special series Alfa Romeo Racing Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio was developed because of the technical partnership, the ultimate expressions of the highest performing versions in the range was both sold out immediately.

The new MY2020 Giulia and Stelvio are fruit of the further developments in technology and style applied to two models recognised as benchmarks in terms of dynamics and driving pleasure in their respective categories. 

“WE ARE PARTICULARLY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF ANTONIO GIOVINAZZI’S CONTRACT WITH ALFA ROMEO RACING DURING THIS IMPORTANT OCCASION FOR ALFA ROMEO. THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM SPECTATORS AND THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE RESULTS ON TRACK HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THE ALFA ROMEO RACING TEAM IS ON THE RIGHT ROAD, A FINE AMBASSADOR FOR THE TRADITION OF EUROPEAN TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AND ITALIAN STYLE. FOLLOWING ANTONIO’S CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH THE TEAM, WE EXPECT TO CONTINUE MAKING PROGRESS, BOTH TECHNICALLY AND ON TRACK, AND ADD TO ALFA ROMEO’S LONG AND GLORIOUS HISTORY IN FORMULA 1.”

– MIKE MANLEY, CEO OF FCA

“ANTONIO HAS DONE REALLY WELL THIS YEAR AND I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO CONFIRM HE WILL STAY WITH ALFA ROMEO RACING FOR 2020. THE WAY HE HAS INTEGRATED INTO THE TEAM AND HAS CONSISTENTLY IMPROVED THROUGHOUT HIS FIRST FULL SEASON IN THE SPORT ARE VERY PROMISING AND WE CANNOT WAIT TO UNLOCK HIS FULL POTENTIAL AS WE CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER. ANTONIO HAS EMERGED AS A VERY QUICK DRIVER, EVEN ALONGSIDE AS TOUGH A BENCHMARK AS KIMI, AND WE EXPECT HIM TO DEVELOP EVEN FURTHER AS HIS EXPERIENCE GROWS. HIS TECHNICAL FEEDBACK, WORK ETHICS AND POSITIVE APPROACH WILL HELP US CONTINUE TO PUSH OUR TEAM FORWARD.”

– FRÉDÉRIC VASSEUR, TEAM PRINCIPAL OF ALFA ROMEO RACING AND CEO OF SAUBER MOTORSPORT AG