Christian Klien wants a real spot in F1 in 2008

A year after joining the Honda Racing F1 Team as a test driver and reserve driver, Christian Klien has reached an agreement with the team to let him leave and seek a seat in a single-seater with another team for the 2008 season.

As a result, Christian has thus deserted his role of supporting Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello in the Honda team. He is focusing all his efforts on other opportunities in 2008 and will start with testing for Force India in Barcelona next week.

During his year with Honda, the 24-year-old Austrian conducted testing and development work with both the Honda RA106 and RA107 and attended all the races of the 2008 season.

However, following the new regulations limiting the number of tests in the year, Christian asked the Honda team to give him the opportunity to pursue a Formula 1 seat. For example, he was able to conduct tests for the Spyker team at Spa-Francorchamps in July.

“I really enjoyed working with the Honda Racing F1 Team this year, and I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to work with them and support Jenson and Rubens,” said Christian Klien.

« My goal for 2007 was to work with a team like Honda, and it was a great experience. Honda is an excellent team, and their F1 team deserves to succeed. I would like to thank all the team members for their help and support, » he emphasized.

Explaining the context of the agreement, Christian added: « Due to the limited number of tests available during the season, I have decided to focus my efforts on driver status opportunities in 2008 in F1, and my immediate goal is to succeed in the tests with Force India F1 Team in Barcelona next week. Naturally, I am focused on racing, which comes first. »

« Considering the way young drivers have made their mark in this year’s F1 World Championship, including those I have known and beaten in lower auto racing categories, I am very pleased with the interest being shown in me. »

« I still have a lot of work to do to make my desires come true. But as a result of the agreement with the Honda Racing F1 Team, I am now able to bring my skills to other teams, starting with the tests for Force India F1 Team, » concluded Klien.