Sauber Motorsport has expanded its presence in junior racing further after announcing that it will field a karting team in 2019.
Sauber, which runs Alfa Romeo Racing in Formula 1, has this year launched a bespoke junior programme, linking up with Charouz Racing System to field drivers in Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 4.
On Friday the company announced that it has launched the Sauber Karting Team, in partnership with Italian go-kart manufacturer Kart Republic.
Karting veteran Dino Chiesa, who was involved in the early stages of the careers of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, will take on the role of Team Principal.
Sauber Karting Team will field WSK Super Master Series OK Champion Dexter Patterson alongside Joshua Dufek in the WSK Euro Series, which begins in Italy this weekend.
“Launching the Sauber Karting Team in collaboration with Kart Republic is a great step in the expansion of our activities,” said Sauber CEO Frederic Vasseur.
“It is in our company’s DNA to support young talents.
“This new project allows us to contribute to the next generation of drivers by providing them with a platform which will help them to develop their skills in the best possible way.
“With Dino Chiesa as Team Principal, the Sauber Karting Team is fortunate to have a highly experienced professional taking the lead. We look forward to seeing this project thrive.”