Formula One news

Honda shows interest in Paffett and Klien

The Honda Formula 1 team will be choosing between former McLaren test driver Gary Paffett and Christian Klien to become the team's test driver as Davidson will depart the team to become Super Aguri's race driver.

Honda F1's team boss Nick Fry admitted in an interview that both Paffett and Klien are high on their 'most wanted' list. Fry told SpeedTV.com: "Christian and his dad were here last Thursday, and Gary Paffett is certainly also in the frame. We are currently talking to both, and we'll make a decision in the next week I would imagine."

Honda's test driver won't be used during Friday's free practice sessions though such as BMW announced earlier this month. Fry explained: "Our third driver will run on Friday if one or the other is incapacitated, it's as simple as that. We've made that very clear to any prospective test drivers that our race drivers want every bit of practice they can get. I very much hope that others run their test drivers - fool of them!"

Fry doesn't have a clue why BMW would want to run their third driver during a Grand Prix weekend. As when a third driver steps in, a race driver will have to skip that session. Fry said: "It'll be even better if BMW alternates it - that will really piss off both of the race drivers. What are you saying to your race drivers? You're saying to one or the other of them, probably you haven't got a drive next year. Race drivers are no different to any other employee. You either have confidence in them or you don't, and if you don't, get rid of them, for not only your sake but their sake."

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