Albers to drive for Minardi

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. Christijan Albers has been confirmed as a Minardi Formula 1 driver for next season and Holland is currently rejoicing. The sport has been in decline in Holland since the disappearance of Jos Verstappen and the arrival of Albers will be a shot in the arm for the thousands of dedicated Dutch fans. But there is probably even better news to come because all the signs are that in the New Year Robert Doornbos will be named as one of the two Jordan drivers. Doornbos is currently biding his time, waiting to see what happens with the ownership of the team but, come what may, he is the man most likely to join the Silverstone-based team. Grandprix.com 12/22/04 Dutch driver Christijan Albers will join the Italian Minardi Formula One team, the Dutch www.F1Racing.NL website reported on Wednesday. Minardi have called a news conference for Thursday in Amsterdam for an "important announcement". The Communication Company, the public relations firm for Albers, had no immediate comment. Albers, 25, tested last month for both Minardi and Jordan as well as Champ Car. He is a former German Formula Three champion who drove for Mercedes in the DTM touring car series this year.