Formula One news

Winkelhock to replace Albers at European Grand Prix

The Spyker Formula 1 team has officially confirmed that the team's test and reserve driver Markus Winkelhock will race for the team at this weekend's European Grand Prix. Winkelhock will race alongside his fellow countryman Adrian Sutil at the duo's home race.

Last week Spyker F1 announced that Christijan Albers will not finish the season with the team due to financial issues and thus the Dutchman was placed on hold as the team's test driver. On Thursday last week the team invited Honda's test driver Christian Klien for a one-day test at Spa-Francorchamps to help the team gather valuable data. Apart from Klien there were other names such as (Williams test driver) Narain Karthikayan and (GP2 driver) Roldan Rodriguez being mentioned as a possible replacement for Albers. In the end though the team decided it would be best to stick with its own test driver Markus Winkelhock.

"Obviously it's a dream come true," said the 27-year-old from Stuttgart. "I haven't had much time in the car this year but I'm physically and mentally prepared. It's a one-off opportunity at the moment and I will make the most of it."

Colin Kolles, team principal and managing director, added: "I am pleased to be able to reward Markus for his patience and loyalty to the team over the last 18 months with his F1 debut at the Nürbürgring. It's very much a one-off race at the moment as we need some more time to decide who will be Adrian's partner for the rest of the year."

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