23 December: The Minardi F1 team announced today the signing for Christijan Albers as one of their race drivers for the 2005 season. Albers recently tested for the Minardi team and set impressive times. He also drove for the European Formula Racing 3000 team and has been competing in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM)

Team boss Paul Stoddart commented on the announcement by saying "We are very pleased to be able to announce Christijan as one of our two race drivers for 2005. He has always been a naturally quick driver, but it is clear there is now an added maturity and focus with that speed. In short, we believe he is absolutely ready for Formula One, 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. Knowing Christijan as I do, I’m certain he will reward the faith placed in him."

Minardi have yet to announce their second driver. Zsolt Baumgartner who drove for the team last season appears to be the favourite at this stage.

2005 Formula 1 Team and Driver Lineup

Official 2006 F1 Season Review

Autocourse 2006 Annual

F1 World Championship Yearbook 2006

Formula 1 Technical Analysis: 2005/06

The Official Tribute To Ayrton Senna
1960 To 1994

Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car

The Science of
F1 Design

Grand Prix Data Book
Every Record from 1950-2005

The Complete Book of Formula One: All Cars and Drivers Since 1950

Auto Magazines

Formula 1 Books

Race Driving Books

Race Car Design Books