Formula One news

Klien in talks with 3 teams

Christian Klien has confirmed that he has been in talks with three teams with regards to gaining a full-time race drive ahead of next season. The BMW reserve driver has been out of a race seat since 2006 but hopes next year's increased number of entries will serve as the dream ticket to re-enter Formula One.

Having made his F1 debut with Jaguar through sponsor Red Bull in 2004, Austrian Klien remained with the team for the majority of races as the energy drinks manufacturer purchased the outfit the following season. Replaced by Robert Doornbos three Grands Prix before the end of 2006, however, Christian's seat alongside David Coulthard was taken by Mark Webber for 2007.

"What I can confirm is that three teams have asked me about my availability for next year," Klien said. "We are in permanent discussions with those three but it is way too early to talk about any details - I am thinking mid to long-term; a good future perspective is more important to me than a quick contract which might lead into a dead end street soon. I am only 26 and I am sure I have a few more years in F1 ahead of me."

He added that the talks involve teams which are 'seriously interested' but insists that it would not be 'wise' to 'count your chickens before they are hatched'. "The time of the announcement is not so crucial," he added. "The season still lasts for another two weeks and many teams will only be ready to test their new cars just before next season.

"The quality of the decision is what matters more to me than the time it is made." Klien concluded by explaining that the future will become clearer once big names such as Kimi Räikkönen are housed for 2010.

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