UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Albers dropped by Spyker

No word on replacement

The much rumoured split between driver Christijan Albers and the Spyker Formula One team has been confirmed in an official statement this morning. The full statement reads as follows:

Spyker F1 Ltd. announces that, due to commercial difficulties, Christijan Albers will no longer race for the Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship.

The decision was taken as a result of one of Albers’ main personal sponsors continuing to stay in default.

Team principal Colin Kolles stated: ‘This has been a very difficult decision. Christijan has started to find some form in the car, but the team’s ambitious development programme has been seriously compromised by non-payment by one of his sponsors and we are faced with no other option.’

Director of Formula 1 Michiel Mol added: ‘The decision to replace Christijan is one of the hardest I have had to take since becoming involved in the team. By terminating the contract with Christijan and the subsequent entering into a new contract it enables Spyker F1 Ltd. to safeguard its strong financial footing needed to fulfil its technical and commercial goals. We do not expect this will have any adverse effect on Spyker F1’s financial result this year. We would also like to stress this decision has nothing to do with Christijan’s recent performances – we still have faith in his contribution as a driver – but the long-term future of the team is of paramount importance. We would like to thank Christijan for his input and wish him every success in the future.’

An announcement on Albers´ replacement and the financial conditions will be made in due course. “

Marcus Winkelhock, son of the late ATS and Brabham driver Manfred, is the Spyker team’s official third driver and has been mentioned in connection with the drive for his home race at the Nurburgring in a fortnight, while the team also has Giedo van der Garde under contract following a lengthy dispute over his services with Super Aguri.

Another name to enter the fray is that of Christian Klien, the Honda third driver who would bring experience to Spyker that may well be much needed.

UpdateF1 will bring you further news as it becomes available.

Written: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:35:34