(Alpha 54 Racing press release)
Alpha 54 Racing has confirmed the signing of Argentine drivers Thiago Palotini and Federico Díaz Quaglia for its program in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, marking a new step in the team’s international development project.
The Faenza-based team (Italy) was founded by Gregorio Mandrini and Nicolás Bianco, both with Formula 1 experience within the Racing Bulls structure. The project was created with the aim of becoming a development platform for young Argentine talents looking to enter European motorsport.
The name “Alpha 54” reflects the team’s identity: “Alpha,” referring to AlphaTauri — the structure where the founders first met — and “54,” a reference both to Argentina’s international dialing code and to the Emilia-Romagna region, two territories that represent the essence of the project.
With an already operational structure and participation in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, Alpha 54 Racing positions itself as a new bridge between Argentina and Europe in junior motorsport, with a long-term vision focused on driver development.
Developing Argentine drivers
Thiago Palotini, from Necochea (Buenos Aires), arrives after a strong karting career, with titles in IAME and Rotax Argentina, the Rotax South American Championship, and solid international experience.
Federico Díaz Quaglia began his career in 2022, showing rapid progress with karting titles at both provincial and national level. In 2025, he moved to single-seaters, standing out in Formula Renault Plus and the Argentine Formula Nacional, while also gaining international experience in Brazilian Formula 4.
The presence of the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA) in Italian Formula 4 strengthens its commitment to developing Argentine drivers and integrating them into international motorsport, supporting a new generation on their path toward higher categories.
Thiago Palotini:
“My goal for this season is to adapt quickly to the car and the circuits. We know this is a very prestigious and competitive championship. We will give our maximum, and for me it would be a dream to fight for a podium or a win in such a demanding category.
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It is a great honor to be part of an Argentine team in Italian Formula 4. I would never have imagined racing in such an important category with such a short career so far. Representing Argentina is something special, and I will give everything to bring the flag as high as possible. I would like to thank Gregorio Mandrini, Nicolás Bianco, Eric Borsani and the entire Alpha 54 Racing team for their trust.”
Federico Díaz Quaglia:
“My feelings about being part of this team are very positive. It is a new structure, with great human quality and a strong desire to grow. Racing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship will be a major challenge, as it is one of the most competitive championships in the category.
My expectations for this season are to continue gaining experience, grow as a driver and contribute to the development of the team. I am highly motivated to work, improve day by day and achieve strong results.”
Gregorio Mandrini – Team Principal, Alpha 54 Racing:
“This is a very special moment for us. What was once just an idea has now become a concrete reality. After completing test sessions at important circuits such as Cremona, Monza and Mugello, presenting our drivers confirms that we are on the right path.
We know we are at the beginning as a team, but our objective is clear: to grow together with the drivers, provide a professional structure and support them in a demanding championship like Italian Formula 4.”
Nicolás Bianco – Team Principal, Alpha 54 Racing:
“We are very proud to have come this far. Alpha 54 was created with the idea of providing opportunities for Argentine drivers in Europe, and today we are entered in one of the most important junior championships in the world.
The tests carried out in Italy have been crucial in understanding how the car and the team operate on track. Now a new phase begins, with many challenges but also great enthusiasm. This is just the beginning of a project we strongly believe in.”
Eric Borsani – Sporting Director, Alpha 54 Racing:
“I am very happy to be part of such an ambitious project, which represents a bridge between Argentina and Italy. Argentine talent has always existed, among drivers, mechanics and engineers. Our goal is to build the right pathway to bring it to the forefront.”