12/09/2006
NEWS STORY
In the wake of Red Bull's decision to drop him for the final three races of the season, Christian Klien has issued the following statement.
"After the Hungarian Grand Prix, I was informed by Red Bull Racing August 7, 2006 that David Coulthard and Mark Webber will be their drivers for the 2007 F1 season and therefore my F1 contract with RBR racing will not be renewed.
Red Bull was so kind to allow me to begin looking for other F1 options immediately.
This past Friday, before my official announcement about my plans, I phoned Mr. Dieter Mateschitz. In this personal phone conversation, I thanked Mr. Mateschitz for the offer to drive in 2007 for Red Bull in the Champ Car World Series.
At the same time I told him that following the first contacts with F1 teams during the Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago, I continue to see options for myself in F1.
Red Bull granted me until September 09, 2006 to decide on the Champ Car option.
Since I needed more time to explore the F1 options, I regretfully could not accept the Champ Car option by the date given.
I appreciate Red Bull Racing's decision to annul my current F1 contract with today's date. This will allow me to continue the current, ongoing discussions regarding my F1 options as an independent driver, free of any contractual obligations.
I am now fully focused on the talks for my existing F1 options.
I assume that I can announce my decision on the options by the end of the 2006 F1 season.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the Red Bull Racing Team for their cooperation in the past two years."