For the first time since the last dispute involving Jenson Button, F1’s Contract Recognition Board may be required — for a rookie test driver.
Spyker surprised the grand prix world on Thursday by announcing in a press release that Dutch youngster Giedo van der Garde, 22, is among four test drivers signed up for 2007.
The news followed van der Garde’s absence from the Valencia tarmac, where he was due to continue his qualification for a Super Licence at the wheel of a Super Aguri car.
He was already signed as the Japanese team’s Friday test driver, but reports indicate that there have been “problems” with the contract since it was penned in December.
“Giedo joins Spyker F1 as a test and Friday driver,” the Spyker statement read.
The Spyker news reportedly took Super Aguri by surprise, as the Leafield based team believes it has a valid contract with the former Formula 3 pilot.
The conflict comes amid Spyker’s legal threat against Super Aguri and Toro Rosso about the use of customer cars in 2007.
Spyker also announced that Malaysian ‘A1GP’ driver Fairuz Fauzy has joined as a “test and Friday driver”, while Adrian Valles and Markus Winkelhock will fulfil “test and development” roles in 2007.
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
