Albers confirms Spyker deal.

To no-one's great surprise, Christijan Albers will be racing with Spyker MF1 next season, having confirmed an extension to his current deal at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Although the team has yet to announce the agreement, Albers told his personal website that he would be back on the grid in 2007, and would be sticking with the former Midland team, which is now in the hands of long-time backer Michiel Mol.

"I am happy to tell you, the fans, that I have signed a deal with Spyker for next season," Albers wrote, "As I am writing this, the team is preparing the press release for the media. It will be released in about three hours from now. Fortunately, I can inform you guys the great news first."

Spyker's Dutch links, and the involvement of Mol - who backs Albers through his Lost Boys media concern - made it almost certain that the former DTM frontrunner would be retained.

"I am extremely proud and happy to have received a new contract," Albers admitted, "It?EUR(TM)s a Dutch team, with great people behind it. We can continue building what we started this year. I have a lot of confidence in our future. With the backing of car manufacturer Spyker, our people in the Silverstone factory and our loyal sponsors, it will become a great season next year."

Albers also revealed that he expected the team to reveal the identity of its new engine partner in the near future, with paddock whispers suggesting that the deal could be struck in Shanghai this weekend. With Toyota heading to Williams for 2007, Spyker has been linked with the Grove team's Cosworth supply, but also with a possible tie-up with Ferrari, which shares a common shareholder with Spyker.