From www.ITV-F1.com
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, Im 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.
