Super Aguri claims van der Garde contract

After Spyker announced on February 1st that Giedo van der Garde has joined the team as test and third driver, Super Aguri has released a statement that says it has a valid contract with the Dutchman for 2007. The team confirmed van der Garde as its test and third driver back in December 2006.

Giedo van der Garde.

Photo by Super Aguri Formula 1.

Van der Grade was with Super Aguri at Valencia testing this week. He did not get much track time due to a mechanical issue on the car, which hampered his aim of accumulating the necessary mileage for his superlicense.

"Super Aguri F1 Team has a valid contract with Giedo van der Garde to drive for the team in the position of Friday and Test Driver for the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship," said the statement. "The contract was submitted by the SAF1 Team to the Contracts Recognition Board on 23rd January 2007."

Rumour has it that the deal between van der Garde and Spyker was signed on Wednesday night. The Dutchman was expected to be on track with Super Aguri on Thursday at Valencia to again try and rack up the miles for his superlicense but he did not put in an appearance.

If Spyker is adamant that it has signed van der Garde the matter may have to go to the Contract Recognition Board for resolution. The last time the Board was called upon to sort out contract wrangles was when Jenson Button was under the mistaken impression that he was leaving BAR to join Williams in 2005.