Founding story
A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) first entered motor racing in 1911, fielding two 24 HP models driven by Franchini and Ronzoni in the Targa Florio. The first significant success came in 1913 when Nino Franchini finished second in the Parma-Poggio Berceto race with a 40/60 HP car. In 1920, Giuseppe Campari won at Mugello with a 40/60 HP, while Enzo Ferrari finished second in the Targa Florio. A year later, Campari again won at Mugello. Ugo Sivocci won the 1923 Targa Florio and Antonio Ascari took second, both driving an RL. Sivocci’s car was adorned with the green cloverleaf on a white background, which became a symbol for Alfa’s sportiest models.
Technology lineage
In 1923, Vittorio Jano joined Alfa Romeo from FIAT, designing engines that proved crucial to the marque’s racing success through the late 1930s. The 1925 season saw Alfa Romeo triumph at the first Automobile World Championship, winning both the European Grand Prix at Spa and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Jano’s 1932 P3 was a sensation, securing its maiden victory with Tazio Nuvolari at the Italian Grand Prix, and adding five more Grand Prix wins that year between Nuvolari and Rudolf Caracciola. The 8C 2300 became a dominant force in sportscar racing, winning the Le Mans 24 Hours from 1931 to 1934. Later, the 8C 2900B Corto Spider secured victory in the 1938 Mille Miglia, with Clemente Biondetti repeating the win in the first post-war Mille Miglia (1947) with another 8C 2900B.
Driver relationships
Tazio Nuvolari was a key driver for Alfa Romeo, achieving notable victories including the 1930 Mille Miglia (with headlights off at night to deceive his rival) and the 1935 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in the aging P3. Giuseppe Campari was also a significant driver in the early years, winning races at Mugello in 1920 and 1921. Enzo Ferrari himself competed for Alfa Romeo in the early days, achieving a second-place finish in the 1920 Targa Florio. Later drivers included Louis Chiron, and Roberto Guerrero in IndyCar.
Historic peaks and collapses
Alfa Romeo achieved significant success in the 1920s and 1930s, winning numerous Grand Prix races and sportscar events. However, the company faced financial difficulties in 1933, leading to a transfer to Enzo Ferrari’s Scuderia Ferrari team, though the P3 continued to win races under Ferrari’s management. The post-war period saw Alfa Romeo participate in Formula One from 1950 to 1987, dominating the first two years of the World Championship with the 158/159 Alfetta before withdrawing at the end of 1951. A return to Formula One as a constructor occurred from 1979 to 1985, and they also supplied engines to other teams during various periods. In sportscar racing, the 33TT12 secured the World Championship for Makes in 1975, and the 33SC12 won the World Championship for Sports Cars in 1977. Touring car racing also yielded success, with the Alfa Romeo GTA winning the European Touring Car Championship in 1966, 1967, and 1969, and the Alfetta GTV6 winning four consecutive titles between 1982 and 1985.
Current status
In November 2017, Sauber signed a multi-year technical and commercial partnership with Alfa Romeo, rebranding as Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for the 2018 season. In 2019, the team became Alfa Romeo Racing, though ownership and the racing license remained with Sauber. This partnership concluded at the end of the 2023 season, with Sauber set to become the Audi factory team in 2026. Alfa Romeo also continues to be represented in various TCR Touring Car series worldwide through private teams.
Legacy
Alfa Romeo’s motorsport history is marked by innovation, driver talent, and numerous victories across a wide range of disciplines. The marque’s success in the early years of Grand Prix racing, its dominance in sportscar racing during the 1930s, and its continued presence in touring car and rally competitions have established Alfa Romeo as a significant name in motorsport history. The brand’s racing heritage continues to influence its image and appeal to enthusiasts.
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