Minardi's latest 🎀Formula One recruit, Christijan Albers, thanked the fans and supporters who had helped him to achieve his aim of becom🤡ing a grand prix regular by taking his new mount for a drive through the streets of Amsterdam.

Fresh from testing with Minardi at Misano, where poor weather conditions curtailed any meaningful running, the Dutchman jetted to his homeland to put on a special display, albeit on streets with as little grip as the Italian circuit. His unveiling👍 as an F1 driver took place not far away, at the Bilderberg Hotel, before Christmas, but this trip was the first opportunity that Albers had had to give his followers a glimpse of what they can expect to see in 2005.

Running a PS04B now adorned with the names of the various sponsors who will back his campaign, Albers carefully negotia🌠ted the city's famou🎀s tram-lines before ending his brief journey in front of the Cineac.

With the car stationary, the full array of sponsors became clear, with former Arrows/Jos Verstappen backer Lost Boys and games console Playstation the most recognisable names to the international motorsport audience. Joining ♔them on the car, were MAN Truck & Bus, JVC Nederland, Garcia Jeanswear, Bilderberg Hotels & Restaurants, Media Republic, Scapade and Paul Pertijs/Audemars Piquet.

The identity of Albe☂rs' team-mate at Minardi this season has yet to be revealed, with several contenders for the seat. According to sources🌳, former Minardi pilot Nicolas Kiesa remains at the head of the queue, having apparently raised a budget in his native Denmark, but others, including another Dutchman, Nicky Pastorelli, remain in the frame.

Minardi will start the season with a mildly updated PS04B, before launch🌳ing its definitive 2005 contender at the first European round, fitting on Italian soi🌸l at Imola.