Spyker F1 Team has announced that Adrian Sutil will partner Christijan Albers in the 2007 FIA F1 World Championship after signing a long term contract today.

Sutil, 23 from Munich, Germany, drove three Grand Prix Friday's for Spyker in 2006 while concentrating on winning the tough and prestigious Japanese F3 Championship for the Tom's Toyota team. In 2005 Adrian was runner-up to Champion and ASM team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the European F3 series.

Destined to follow his Uruguayan-born father into a musical career, Adrian trained and practised as a concert pianist until he was 14: "when I discovered karting. From that moment on the sound of racing engines was the only music I wanted to hear. I really enjoyed being in the F1 Paddock this year", continued Adrian, "and to be honest I thought I would be a test driver in 2007. Colin Kolles and Michiel Mol have been fantastically patient and supportive while this package became reality. I look forward to repaying their faith in me but right now I'm just going to enjoy the best Christmas present ever."

Colin Kolles, Spyker F1 Team Principal: "This is a great signing for team but also a proud one for me personally. Adrian made his F3 debut with Team Kolles in 2004 and quite obviously had huge potential when he scored his first pole position in his third race. He has driven for two great teams since then and matured very quickly. Everyone at Spyker was hugely impressed when he drove for us in 2006 which is why we have worked long and hard to get him in the race team."

Michiel Mol, Spyker Director of F1 Spyker Cars BV: "Being able to sign Adrian on a long term contract is yet another strong signal of Spyker's vision and commitment to rebuild the team around young and talented people. Adrian will grow with the team and will be a major asset as we target success in years to come."

To see who goes where in 2007, click here