As the Spyker F1 Team reveals it's 2007 car, Christijan Albers looks ahead to a new season and a new beginning.

Christijan, you're staying with the team for a second season this year. What were the aspects that made you want to stay?
Christijan Albers: I really liked the team, they are a lot of fun and I enjoyed last year, and I was pleased with the new Spyker team coming on board. It's given everyone a real push to stay and keep developing their different areas to bring the team to the top of the game. We all want to get to the front and everyone is motivated to get there. This year we know we have to focus on getting results and a better car throughout the season, but by signing Mike Gascoyne and Ferrari as engine supplier we have shown we are really serious about this.

Mike Gascoyne has a very good reputation within Formula 1. How excited are you to be working with him?
CA: I'm really excited to be working with him. He's been in the business for a very long time and has worked in a lot of teams and manufacturers and his experience will be a great help. Personally, I'm interested in seeing how he works and learning from him.

How much work have you been doing with the team over the winter for this season?
CA: As a driver you need to help with the development of the car and work with the people in the factory to get the results the team needs. I have worked closely with the team to give the most accurate feedback I could and help with the direction of the new car. I have tried to say from a drivers' perspective what needs to change and what could be better and why the areas need to be improved.

Last year you got closer and closer to the mid-field, and there was a real optimism that things had turned around. Are you confident you can pick up where you left off?
CA: Our aim this year is to be up there with the middle part of the grid and get some points. We want to be as competitive as possible, but we also have to be realistic about what we can achieve. Last year was obviously frustrating as we didn't score any points, but we want to get the most out of the car and be clever about it; but the biggest step will come mid-season.

As a Dutchman, what does it mean to you to be driving a Dutch owned car in Formula 1?
CA: It's the best feeling – everybody has been so positive about it and so supportive, it's really been phenomenal!

You have a new team mate this year – how has your relationship been developing?
CA: Adrian is a good driver and he will be quick this year, but as a driver you should always be pushing to the limits without thinking what the guy in the car next to you is doing. But Adrian will be a good team-mate and it looks as though he's going to be a big talent. The team has made a good choice. First of all we both have to fight to make the car better and then we'll see where we are, but you can guarantee that we'll both be giving it 100%.

To check out our pictures of the Spyker F8-VII, click here