Winkelhock to race for Spyker at Nuerburgring

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-19 13:52

LONDON, July 18 - Germany's Markus Winkelhock will make his Formula One race debut for Spyker in Sunday's European Grand Prix at the Nuerburgring, the team said on Wednesday.

Winkelhock, son of the late Formula One driver Manfred, will be the fifth German on the starting grid in the country's only race this year.

The 27-year-old test and reserve driver replaces Dutchman Christijan Albers, whose contract was terminated by the Dutch-owned team because of a sponsorship problem.

"Obviously it's a dream come true," Winkelhock said in a team statement.

"I haven't had much time in the car this year but I'm physically and mentally prepared. It's a one-off opportunity at the moment and I will make the most of it."

Winkelhock will partner German rookie Adrian Sutil in Sunday's race, the 10th round of the championship.

The team have yet to announce a long-term replacement for Albers, with India's Narain Karthikeyan and Austrian Christian Klien both in the frame.

"It's very much a one-off race at the moment as we need some more time to decide who will be Adrian's partner for the rest of the year," said team boss Colin Kolles.



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