source:
crash.net
Despite apparent interest in his services from both Minardi and Jordan,
Christijan Albers may be about to cash in his chances of making it in Formula
One in favour of a possible Champ Car seat in 2005.
The Dutchman, who has tested with both F1 minnows in recent weeks, has been
invited to test Derrick Walker's 2004-spec Reynard-Cosworth at Sebring this week
and, should both parties feel satisfied, move towards a possible deal for 2005.
Albers apparently has the backing of Dutch IT company Trust, whose funds would
prove particularly enticing to all three teams considering his services next
season.
Albers has spent the past three seasons making his name in the DTM touring car
series, finishing as runner-up in 2003 after a nail-biting last race shoot-out
with Bernd Schneider. He was also in the running for the 2004 crown, but
succumbed to Mathias Ekstrom's relentless results.
Should Albers opt for the United States, it could open the door for fellow
countryman Robert Doornbos to edge closer to a possible Jordan seat for next
year. The F3000 frontrunner tested with the Jordan at each of the final three
grands prix of 2004, and has since been recalled to conduct the early stages of
winter testing. Doornbos recently ran the team's 2005-spec car, while Albers
tested the 2004 example.
While Doornbos would appear to head the race to join Jordan for next season, the
Silverstone team will again be obliged to accept sponsor-laden drivers rather
than those with talent. Despite having agreed to use Toyota power in 2005, the
future of the team remains unsecured, with various interested parties apparently
sniffing around a deal without anything having been agreed. Possible rivals for
Doornbos are thought to include Timo Glock, who ended the 2004 season in the
team's second car, and Vitantonio Liuzzi should the Italian, as suggested, baulk
at Red Bull Racing's idea of sharing its second car with Christian Klien.