Christian Klien (re) sets foot in F1

Christian Klien, who has been proclaiming for several months that he wants to return Formula 1, has finally achieved his goals. The Austrian pilot, designated reserve pilot of Peugeot Sport (endurance) because of his desire for F1, was therefore right to insist. Reserve driver for BMW-Sauber last season, Christian Klien is joining HRT this year, a rookie team which encountered difficulties at the start of the season.

The two main drivers of the team – Karun Chandhok and Bruno Senna – being beginners in F1, Colin Kolles wanted to recruit an experienced driver capable of establishing reference times and developing the car. " I am aware that it is only a small step to be third driver in a team at the back of the grid., confides Christian Klien. But it?s a step in the right direction. »

The Austrian is taking advantage of this opportunity to stay in the paddock, while adapting to the new standards of the discipline. He will ride on Friday, during the first free practice session, replacing Karun Chandhok. If HRT expects a lot from its new top rider, Christian Klien will first have to adapt to his mount and its specificities.

If he can hope to regain a starting role in the event of a defection from the paddock, Christian Klien should not replace Karun Chandhok or Bruno Senna this season. Colin Kolles, team principal, does not want to "betray" the drivers entered at the start of the season, who had the merit of wiping the plasters while trying to get the most out of their cars. It is therefore undoubtedly towards 2011 that Christian Klien is turning, who will have to increase his contacts to have a chance of taking the start of a Grand Prix again. And, if possible, in a stable that is not dedicated to the back of the grid.