Albers completes Amsterdam sponsor drive.

Minardi's latest Formula One recruit, Christijan Albers, thanked the fans and supporters who had helped him to achieve his aim of becoming a grand prix regular by taking his new mount for a drive through the streets of Amsterdam.

Fresh from testing with Minardi at Misano, where poor weather conditions curtailed any meaningful running, the Dutchman jetted to his homeland to put on a special display, albeit on streets with as little grip as the Italian circuit. His unveiling as an F1 driver took place not far away, at the Bilderberg Hotel, before Christmas, but this trip was the first opportunity that Albers had had to give his followers a glimpse of what they can expect to see in 2005.

Running a PS04B now adorned with the names of the various sponsors who will back his campaign, Albers carefully negotiated the city's famous tram-lines before ending his brief journey in front of the Cineac.

With the car stationary, the full array of sponsors became clear, with former Arrows/Jos Verstappen backer Lost Boys and games console Playstation the most recognisable names to the international motorsport audience. Joining them on the car, were MAN Truck & Bus, JVC Nederland, Garcia Jeanswear, Bilderberg Hotels & Restaurants, Media Republic, Scapade and Paul Pertijs/Audemars Piquet.

The identity of Albers' team-mate at Minardi this season has yet to be revealed, with several contenders for the seat. According to sources, former Minardi pilot Nicolas Kiesa remains at the head of the queue, having apparently raised a budget in his native Denmark, but others, including another Dutchman, Nicky Pastorelli, remain in the frame.

Minardi will start the season with a mildly updated PS04B, before launching its definitive 2005 contender at the first European round, fitting on Italian soil at Imola.