Spyker have dropped Dutch Formula One driver Christijan Albers due to non-payment by one of his main sponsors, the Ferrari-powered team said yesterday.

Albers, 28, was in his second year with the Silverstone-based team after making his debut with Minardi in 2005.

He has been outperformed in the first half of the season by rookie German team-mate Adrian Sutil, although neither has finished higher than 13th.

Spyker, who have yet to score a point in nine races, said an announcement on Albers's replacement and the financial conditions would be made in due course.

"This has been a very difficult decision," said team principal Colin Kolles.

"Christijan has started to find some form but the team's development programme has been compromised by non-payment of one of his sponsors."

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