The role of the number 3 driver is losing its appeal according to Klien

BMW-Sauber reserve driver, Christian Klien, stated that it will be difficult for him to help his team in the short term due to the absence of testing during the regular season.

With testing banned once the championship has started and the fact that teams can only use two cars for Friday practice sessions during a race weekend, Klien fears being inactive and not sufficiently helping his teammates Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica.

« I am eager to get to the next two test sessions, » the Austrian declared at the launch of the F1.09.

« We must work efficiently for the first race because there won’t be so much testing. »

« The reduction in the number of authorized kilometers for testing makes the position of test drivers difficult. There are a few test sessions before the start of the season, but then if one of the two drivers needs to be replaced, there will be a severe lack of preparation inside the race car. »

The former Red Bull driver added that this new regulation encouraged teams to opt for reserve drivers with extensive experience and, on the contrary, disadvantaged the recruitment of young drivers.

« If you have drivers with experience, it will definitely help you. »