Sauber: F2 champion Charles Leclerc to drive alongside Marcus Ericsson

The long-awaited announcement was made by Fiat Chrysler chief executive Sergio Marchionne at a presentation of Alfa Romeo's new partnership with the Swiss team on Saturday.

That deal, marking the return of the historic Alfa Romeo name to Formula One after a more than 30-year absence, was announced earlier in the week.

The vehicle is predominantly white with red accents, and large Alfa Romeo logos after the Swiss team confirmed a deal with the manufacturer.

Sauber have confirmed Charles LeClerc and Marcus Ericsson will serve as their driver line-up for the 2018 Formula One season.

The decision leaves German driver Pascal Wehrlein, Ericsson's team-mate this year, facing an uncertain future.

The Monegasque driver steps up into Formula 1 as the 2017 FIA Formula 2 Champion, having become the first driver to win both that championship and the GP3 Series, which he did in 2016, and he moves up with the support of Scuderia Ferrari as part of their young driver programme. He is clearly deserving of a shot in Formula One.

"It's an wonderful opportunity for me but also for the team", said Ericsson, whose financial support has always been linked to Rausing and the Tetra Laval packaging group.

The news was announced Saturday as the team's Formula One vehicle was also unveiled with it's slick red and white colouring with a prominent Alfa Romeo logo.

Instead, the team will use Ferrari power elements badged with the iconic Alfa Romeo brand.