Formula One news

Winkelhock keeping his fingers crossed

Spyker test driver Markus Winkelhock is still upbeat about his chances of landing the full-time race seat. It would make a dream debut as well for the 27-year-old driver to race in front of his home crowd at the Nurburgring next weekend.

"I still have a chance of getting in the Spyker cockpit," the German told Auto Motor und Sport whilst on duty for Spyker boss Colin Kolles' DTM team at Mugello. Winkelhock was standing in for Adam Carroll. "If another driver had already got the drive then the team principal Colin Kolles would have told me already."

The favourite to replace Christijan Albers is Honda's Christan Klien who enjoyed a day's testing with the Silverstone-based outfit at last week's test at Spa-Francorchamps. The Austrian made no secret of the fact that he would like to make a return to racing after being dropped by Red Bull Racing at the end of last season.

Winkelhock, who competed against the 24-year-old in the 2003 Euro F3 series, is well aware of Klien's favourable position. "Christian brings with him the experience of around 40 Grands Prix," said Winkelhock, who represented Midland F1 in four Friday practice sessions last season.

Kolles admits however that Winkelhock is in contention: "I am trying to find a solution for Markus - he has two possibilities." An announcement is expected early this week, possibly today or tomorrow.

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• 06 Sep.
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  • Alonso sets Renault up in sixth
  • Heidfeld leads BMW qualifying charge
  • Force India happy with pace
  • Worst qualifying for Toyota
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Dismal day sees both Hondas out in Q1
  • Both Toro Rossos back in top ten
  • Hamilton gushing with confidence on pole
  • Massa's perfect lap not enough
  • Kovalainen lost out in middle sector
  • Hamilton storms to Belgian pole
  • Spa-Francorchamps to rename Stavelot corner
  • Heidfeld tops final practice session
  • Photos: Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Donington Park submit first phase plans
• 05 Sep.
  • McLaren pleased with first day
  • Raikkonen crash hinders Ferrari preparations
  • Renault lifted by Alonso's pace
  • BMWs struggle on Friday
  • Toyota looking for more pace
  • Force India happy with practice
  • Toro Rossos going well at Spa
  • New parts working well for Williams
  • Honda struggling at Spa
  • Mixed day for Red Bull
  • Alonso tops second practice
  • McLaren to open office in US
  • Massa tops first free practice at Spa
  • Photos: Friday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Vettel to test Red Bull this month
• 04 Sep.
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  • Raikkonen hopes for dry weekend
  • Photos: Thursday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Coulthard: The engines make the difference
• 03 Sep.
  • Bridgestone going hard on Spa

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