Albers confirmed at Futurecom Audi

Prior to his Formula One career with Minardi and Midland/Spyker, Albers was one of the DTM's leading lights.

He received a last minute call-up to the works AMG Mercedes team in 2003 and came within four points of beating Bernd Schneider to the title, before taking third in the standings in 2004.

Albers tested for TME - which is run by his former F1 team boss Colin Kolles - three times over the winter before confirming his deal with the squad today. He will be partnered by ex-Champ Car driver Katherine Legge.

"One of the main factors in making my decision was to join Colin Kolles again and the number of people working at his team that I still know," Albers said.

"A number of these guys I already worked with in the past when I was racing in Formula Three, winning the championship in 1999. Working with these guys will certainly help me to enjoy racing again."

The Dutchman will drive a 2006-specification Audi for the team, but believes he can still be competitive despite the age of his car.

"It won't be an easy first year back in DTM, especially racing a two-year-old car," he said. "But I like to fight hard and try to make it back to the top."

Albers has not raced since losing his Spyker F1 drive following last season's British Grand Prix.