Marchionne wanted Alfa deal for Toro Rosso

Milan, Italy - Fiat Chrysler president Sergio Marchionne wanted Toro Rosso to be powered by Alfa Romeo-branded engines in 2016.

That is the claim of Germany's Auto Bild Motorsport, in the wake of the so-called 'Red Bull engine crisis' that almost silenced the energy drink brand in F1.

Ultimately for 2016, Renault agreed to de-brand its power units for the premier Red Bull team, while Faenza based Toro Rosso secured a supply of year-old Ferrari engines.

'Failed because of money'

Auto Bild claims that Marchionne, who doubles as the Ferrari president, offered a solution in the form of an Alfa Romeo deal for Toro Rosso.

"It failed because of the money," a Red Bull source said, reportedly referring to a figure around €30-million.

"Marchionne wanted Toro Rosso or Red Bull to provide the initial development costs of the new engine."

Red Bull reportedly turned down the deal, deciding instead that the plan-B of a 2015-specification Ferrari supply was good enough for the junior team.

Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost: "It is a step forward for us."

According to Max Verstappen, the step will be a big one, in the order of between eight tenths and a full second per lap.

"The problem," the Dutch driver explained to Ziggo Sport, "is that we have a 2015 engine and most teams have a 2016 spec, so they will make steps as they go.

"But it looks positive for us anyway - I think we are going to make a bigger step than most teams," Verstappen predicted.