Jan.19 (GMM) Christian Klien insists he is still in the running to take a spot on the 2010 formula one grid.
The 26-year-old Austrian was BMW-Sauber’s test driver for the past two seasons and had hoped to take the race seat alongside Kamui Kobayashi this year.
“At the end of the day the driver decision is up to the management and they have to take all factors into consideration,” said Klien, after the Hinwil based team announced on Tuesday that Pedro de la Rosa would take the seat.
“I was well aware that my main rival for the seat was Pedro de la Rosa. In my view, the fact that the decision was taken so late shows that it was not an easy one for Peter Sauber,” he added.
There are still race seats open at Renault, Toro Rosso, Campos and USF1, and Klien insists he still has a chance to re-start his grand prix career in 2010.
“I have been approached by several teams throughout the 2009 season. With two of those teams I am currently in serious negotiations,” he said, without naming them.
If those negotiations fail, Klien – who raced 48 times for Jaguar and Red Bull until 2006 – said he would consider a fourth consecutive season as a reserve driver.
“The clear goal is to race,” he said. “With all the test restrictions, the job of a test pilot is not as attractive as it was some time ago. Still, you have to weigh this option carefully.
“Last season, no fewer than five reserve drivers were called upon to replace a racing driver.”
