One of the Minardi rides is locked up - Christijan Albers from DTM
source:
www.itv-f1.com
ALBERS UNVEILED BY MINARDI
Last Updated: Thursday, 23, December, 2004, 19:24
Christijan Albers will drive for Minardi in 2005, the team has confirmed.
Albers was formally unveiled by his new team at an Amsterdam press conference at lunchtime on Thursday.
Team boss Paul Stoddart said: “We are very pleased to be able to announce Christijan as one of our two race drivers for 2005.
“He has always been a naturally quick driver, but it is clear there is now an added maturity and focus with that speed.
"In short, we believe he is absolutely ready for Formula 1, and we fully expect him to surprise a few people this coming season, particularly since Minardi also has ambitious plans.
"From a personal point of view, it is very gratifying to see a number of Dutch companies getting behind a talented young driver in order to help him take that final, and most difficult, step to the highest level of motor racing.
"Knowing Christijan as I do, I’m certain he will reward the faith placed in him.”
The 25-year-old has raced in German touring cars for the past four years but has always wanted to return to single-seaters.
He has tested for both Minardi and Jordan in the past six weeks. He was also Minardi's reserve driver in 2001 and 2002.
The identity of Albers' team-mate is still undecided - but Stoddart hinted recently that he would like to give 2004 driver Zsolt Baumgartner a second chance.