WTCC boss expects Alfa return

The Italian marque announced its surprise withdrawal from the series as a works manufacturer at the end of last season, saying that there was little point in racing the 156 model when its road going equivalent was out of production.

However, a trio of customer Alfa Romeo 156s currently compete in the series, run by privateer team N Technology.

Alfa Romeo has long been expected to re-enter the series in 2007 with the 159 model, and Lotti believes that confirmation will come soon. He said he expects the Italian manufacturer to honour the final year of their current three-year deal with the WTCC they made last season.

"Alfa Romeo at the moment are studying the project with regards the 159," Lotti told autosport.com. "I know that Claudio Berro [Alfa Romeo Motorsport Manager] has started to look at the management of the brand project. I spoke with him last week and I think in the next two or three weeks we know exactly the detail of this.

"I think and I hope they will come. We have a three-year agreement with them [to have Alfa in the WTCC], and this is now the second year. We have also agreements signed for 2007.

"They have to be involved in 2007. They have an agreement signed and that they confirm to us that they are taking part in the championship. I fully expect an announcement in the next couple of weeks."