22/09/2006
NEWS STORY
Christian Klien, unceremoniously, and in the humble opinion of Pitpass, totally unfairly, dropped by Red Bull following the Italian Grand Prix, has issued the following statement regarding his future:
At various meetings and talks during the past two weeks I have had the chance to learn more about my options with F1.
My main goal during these talks was not so much to become a Friday test driver in the three remaining races of 2006, but to find a solution for my near future.
A seat as an F1 driver and a test driver position with one of the factory teams are among the options available to me.
As of now, the teams have different interpretations regarding the testing kilometres allowed (30.000 km per season). The role and the duties for the test and replacement drivers are not clearly defined. This obviously also effects my decisions.
September 20th I had a meeting in Silverstone with the new Spyker team. Team Manager Colin Kolles personally showed me around the Midland/Spyker factory. This visit gave me the opportunity to check on the progress for 2007 Spyker MF1. I also could see the 2007 car being tested at the wind-tunnel in Brackley. In the concept stage, the car looks very good. In a short time the team will also select an engine for 2007. Ferrari and the V8 from Cosworth are among the possible engine suppliers.
At the Italian GP in Monza I had the opportunity to meet with Mike Gascoyne, who will be the new Chief Technology officer at Spyker beginning November 1st. In my opinion, his views for the future of the Spyker F1 team were very convincing and realistic.
Under the leadership of the new owners, the entire Spyker team impressed me as very ambitious and positive. The basic idea and philosophy of Team Manager Colin Kolles, to reach a maximum of performance with lean and efficient structures, could be clearly seen and felt in the various departments and with all the employees.
In the weeks leading to the end of the F1 season, I will continue to work on my physical fitness and on exploring further the options available to me.