Robert Doornbos will make his Formula One race debut with the Minardi F1 Team.

The 23-year old Dutchman signed a contract with the Italian this morning. The agreement enables the test and reserve driver for Jordan to drive for the Faenza-based team for the remainder of the current season.

Doornbos made his F1 debut last year in September 2004, at the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix for Jordan, has gained a lot of knowledge and experience in developing and testing Formula One cars over the last year.

"I can't hardly wait to get started on Friday," said Doornbos. "This is the chance I've hoped for and where both me and my management have worked very hard for. I feel topfit and ready to make this next step in my carreer. By racing I can gain more experience, which will make me of larger value when I grid up in 2006.

"This year Jordan/Midland could not yet hand me the opportunity to race for them. Minardi now does. I'm very eager to translate my ambitions into action!"

"We are pleased to welcome Robert to Minardi," added Team Principal, Paul Stoddart. "He has demonstrated clearly over the last year that he has the pace necessary to compete in Formula One, and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to make his World Championship debut at this weekend's German Grand Prix. I believe he is going to do an excellent job over the coming races, and I'm sure the Minardi team can expect even more enthusiastic support from the Netherlands, if that's possible, as we now have the first, all-Dutch driver line-up.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick sincerely for his efforts on behalf of the team, and although commercial considerations mean we have had to bring our relationship with him to an end, this decision should in no way be taken as a reflection on his skill or ability as a driver. We continue to rate him very highly, and wish him all the best for the future."