Spyker reveals Albers replacement.
As predicted, Sakon Yamamoto has been confirmed as the replacement for Christijan Albers at Spyker for the remainder of the 2007 Formula 1 season.
Although Yamamoto was not the driver many had predicted as taking the place of the Dutchman, who was axed from the Spyker team following the British Grand Prix during a sponsorship dispute, the Japanese driver does possess some F1 experience, youth and likely plenty of money to bring to the team.
As predicted, Sakon Yamamoto has been confirmed as the replacement for Christijan Albers at Spyker for the remainder of the 2007 Formula 1 season.
Although Yamamoto was not the driver many had predicted as taking the place of the Dutchman, who was axed from the Spyker team following the British Grand Prix during a sponsorship dispute, the Japanese driver does possess some F1 experience, youth and likely plenty of money to bring to the team.
Yamamoto has spent the 2007 season racing in the GP2 Series but has yet to score a point for BCN Competicion as he attempts to re-establish himself in Europe having competed in his native Japan for the last couple of years.
Still, the 25-year-old was delighted to be stepping back into Formula 1 having raced the last few rounds with Super Aguri in 2006 and has set himself the target of helping Spyker climb the grid.
"I am very pleased to get the opportunity to race in Formula 1 again. I know all the circuits we are going to very well, having raced at them with Aguri last year. I also know the team from my test in 2005 so I feel ready for the chance. I want to do the best I can and help the team achieve their objective of moving up the field. I'm looking forward to working with them."
It is not the first time Yamamoto has joined forces with Spyker team principal Colin Kolles, after he raced for his TME team in the 2002 German Formula 3 Championship, as well as the 2003 Formula 3 Euroseries. He was also test and reserve driver with the team during the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix when it was known as Jordan.
Indeed, Kolles was pleased to be welcoming Yamamoto back, pointing out his experience of the circuits in the second half of the year will aid the team's cause once they launch their heavily revised B-specification car in Turkey.
"We would like to welcome Sakon back to the team after a long absence. He is one of the most promising young Japanese drivers who showed potential in the races he contested in 2006 and I think he and Adrian will be a complimentary pairing. Sakon's experience of the circuits we visit in the second half of the season will be a big advantage to us as we move forward."
