Talented Albers gets Minardi role

Minardi earned one point in 2004

Formula One team Minardi have confirmed that Dutchman Christijan Albers will drive for them next season.

The 25-year-old is a former Formula Three champion who competed in the German DTM championship last season and tested for Minardi and Jordan recently.

"Christijan has always been a naturally quick driver, but it is clear there is now an added maturity and focus with that," said Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.

Zsolt Baumgartner drove for Minardi last year and is favourite to join him.

And, having only picked up one point last season, Stoddart is hopeful that Albers' arrival will mark a change in fortune for the team.

"We believe he is absolutely ready for Formula One," he added.

"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."