UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Spyker snatch Sutil

Monteiro out of a race drive

Spyker F1, the new incarnation of the old Midland and Jordan outfits, have announced the signing of German hot-shot Adrian Sutil to partner Christijan Albers in 2007.

The news comes following much speculation after the second driver was left un-named on the official entry list, although it had been expected that Tiago Monteiro would land the drive again, with Sutil taking a testing role.

Sutil was highly impressive on his three Friday appearances for the then Midland team in 2006.

Spyker Team Principal Colin Kolles had this to say:

"This is a great signing for team but also a proud one for me personally. Adrian made his F3 debut with Team Kolles in 2004 and quite obviously had huge potential when he scored his first pole position in his third race. He has driven for two great teams since then and matured very quickly. Everyone at Spyker was hugely impressed when he drove for us in 2006 which is why we have worked long and hard to get him in the race team."

23 year old Sutil, winner of the hard-fought Japanese F3 title this year, joins the team on what is described as a 'long term' contract.

Whether Monteiro remains with Spyker in a testing capacity is as yet unknown.

The news closes another available position on the F1 grid, with only the two Toro Rosso drives remaining unconfirmed.

Written: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:57:57