Formula One news

Klien keeping his options open

It has been a tough month for Christian Klien. The 23-year-old heard that Red Bull Racing will not be retaining him for a fourth year. The team has signed Mark Webber for next season and so the Austrian is surplus to requirements. Klien is now weighing up his options and believes "everything is still open".

However with only four races left in the F1 season, time is ticking - especially if Klien wants to secure a Formula One seat for 2007. "I'm still trying to make the most of it", Klien told F1Racing.net.  "I still hope to achieve some good results. Nothing has changed in that respect - it is still the same car. But of course, I am disappointed."

Teammate David Coulthard revealed at the press conference before the Turkish Grand Prix that he believed Red Bull had brought Klien into Formula One too soon. According to the Scott, Klien didn't get a chance to show his real potential. Klien sees Coulthard's point of view, yet he feels differently. "I don't think that they have brought me in too soon, I think, however, that it has ended too soon. If you get the chance to drive in F1, you must seize that opportunity. I got the chance when I was twenty, directly after Formula 3. If I hadn't taken that chance, perhaps I would never have driven in Formula 1 at all."

Klien continues: "Of course it was difficult in the beginning, but I have shown what I am capable of. This season there were many problems, but the speed was always there. Is it unfair? Well, you can debate that. But without all the problems, the situation could have been completely different."

What the future holds is still unclear. Klien supposedly said that he didn't want to go to a team like Midland, but Klien was keen to clear that up.  "I have not said that at all", he explains. "The reporter asked me if I had contact with Midland and I said that I didn't. The only seats available for next year are at Midland and Super Aguri. I would not say 'no' right away to these teams. If you leave Formula 1, it's likely you won't return. There are also possibilities in the Champ Car and the DTM, but I want to remain in Formula 1."

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage