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Long-standing Formula 1 competitor Sauber has launched its own karting team in conjunction with the manufacturer that works with 2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg.

Sauber Motorsport AG remains involved in F1 despite its name disappearing from the grid following the takeover of its entry's branding by Alfa Romeo.

It has established a major single-seater project by partnering with the Charouz Formula 2 team and entering the new FIA Formula 3 Championship and two regional Formula 4 categories.

The Sauber Karting Team has now been created in conjunction with Italian manufacturer Kart Republic, which also partners ex-Mercedes F1 driver Rosberg's young-driver academy.

Sauber's kart team will be run by Kart Republic manager and karting veteran Dino Chiesa.

Ex-CRG and Zanardi kart chief Chiesa created Kart Republic in late-2017 and last year joined forces with Rosberg, who drove for Chiesa's 'Mercedes-Benz-McLaren' MBM team alongside five-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton in 2000-01 (pictured below).



Sauber's karting team will make its debut at the WSK Euro Series this week, fielding Scottish driver Dexter Patterson and Swiss racer Joshua Dufek in the OK category.

Frederic Vasseur, Alfa Romeo F1 team principal and Sauber CEO, said: "Launching the Sauber Karting Team in collaboration with Kart Republic is a great step in the expansion of our activities.

"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."