Albers upbeat about new season

The Dutch driver, who made his Formula One debut with the Minardi team in 2005, has stayed at the Spyker team, renamed from Midland, for a second year in a row.

Following a disappointing 2006 season, Albers is facing 2007 with revised hopes thanks to some ambitious moves from Dutch car maker Spyker.

The team have signed Mike Gascoyne as their technical chief and they will also be using Ferrari engines.

"I am really proud too be here, to be part of it," said Albers during the launch of the new F8-VII car. "Hopefully we are going to be really strong this season, we are working really hard and everyone is really motivated.

"I am eager to be back in the car again, I have got all the confident I need with Mike (Gascoyne) and James (Key) next to me, and Colin (Kolles) is pushing hard to get a quick car again.

"It is getting time I have to deliver. But I think it is possible to deliver this year, especially with the people next to me. I think we will be able to push really hard, the important thing is that the atmosphere and motivation is in the team, I know for sure Mike is doing maximum he can do, as has James and the management.

"I looking forward to testing and being competitive again in F1. The cars looks amazing, but just because it is amazing doesn't necessarily mean it will be quick. But I hope we will be quick."

Albers, whose only F1 points came at the controversial six-car US GP in 2005, will be partnered by German Adrian Sutil, and the Dutchman is welcoming the challenge.

"It is good. It wakes me up," he said. "It is really good to have a big talented young driver next to me, to have a driver alongside who is really quick."