JULY 19, 2005

Minardi confirms double Dutch line-up

The Minardi F1 Team has confirmed that Dutchman Robert Doornbos is to join Christijan Albers in the team with immediate effect. The Jordan test driver will replace Patrick Friesacher.

"We are pleased to welcome Robert to Minardi," said team boss Paul Stoddart. "He has demonstrated clearly over the last year that he has the pace necessary to compete in Formula 1 and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to make his World Championship debut at this weekend's German Grand Prix. I believe he is going to do an excellent job over the coming races, and I'm sure the Minardi team can expect even more enthusiastic support from the Netherlands, if that's possible, as we now have the first, all-Dutch driver line-up."