Spyker confirm Albers for 2007

The Dutchman joined the team at the start of the season and his future was all-but secured when the outfit was recently taken over by Dutch investors Spyker.

Speaking about his new contract, Albers said: "This is just crazily exciting. First I get to keep my place in the team, then it becomes a Dutch team and, best of all, they've agreed to pay me.

"It doesn't get better than that going into the third year of my F1 career. Obviously I am delighted with the new ownership and their commitment to the technical development of the team with the arrival of Mike Gascoyne and the new engine package that will be announced shortly.

"We already have the basis of a great team that is highly motivated and I'm really excited for next year."

Spyker-MF1's team principal Colin Kolles cheekily added: "Originally we thought we would just keep his fiance Liselore and ask Christijan to go to the other end of the paddock, but then he started going quicker and we thought the car was capable of and he gained the upper hand in negotiations.

"He will be a married man next season, so he will have two bosses to make sure he delivers."