Dutch driver Christijan Albers will race for Midland next year, the Formula One team announced on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old, who made his Grand Prix debut with Minardi this season, will have his first test with the Toyota-powered team at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain on December 7.

The Midland name replaces Jordan on November 15 after that British-based team was bought by Russian-born Canadian billionaire Alex Shnaider last January.

"I have known Christijan since 1999, when he was driving successfully in Formula Three in Germany [Images], winning six races and starting 10 times from pole," said the Midland team's managing director Collin Kolles in a statement.

"Since then, I have followed his motorsport career with keen interest.

"He is very competitive, professional and a proven race winner. I am confident he will acclimatise himself to our team very quickly and help us with the car's development throughout the season."

Albers is the second Dutch driver to join Midland. They have already signed Nicky Pastorelli as their official tester and reserve.

Midland have yet to confirm Albers' team mate for 2006. Jordan's race drivers this year were Portugal's Tiago Monteiro and Indian Narain Karthikeyan [Images] who hope to retain their positions.

"I appreciate all I have learned with Minardi this season and look on this move as a step forward," said Albers, who had also been linked to a test drive at Williams. "It is by far the most challenging option for the future.

"I know the team a little bit already, as I tested with them in December 2004. And I have known Colin since 1999, when I had a very successful F3 season in Germany."

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