Grand Prix of Bahrain

Klien remains positive over Hinwil team

Wednesday 25th November 2009

Christian Klien remains positive that the new Sauber/Qadbak will be on the grid next season as it will more than likely pave his way to a race seat.

The Austrian was all set to race for BMW-Sauber in 2010, but the German manufacturer's decision to quit the sport threw a spanner in the works. The team have since been bought out, but they are still not guarenteed a spot on the grid.

The 26-year-old Klien, a former Red Bull driver, is not losing hope of driving for the Hinwil-based team next year.

"Had BMW Sauber signed in for 2010 I would most likely have been guaranteed a race seat," he told his official website. "As mentioned before, the successor has no official entry for 2010 yet. But everyone in Hinwil is working flat out on next year's race car.

"Having said that it seems clear that all decisions such as sponsorship deals and driver line-up cannot be announced before that matter is resolved. I am positive that the traditional Sauber team from Hinwil will be on the grid in Bahrain in 2010."

Klien, who admits he has held talks with several of the new teams, says he still has a "realistic chance" of racing next year.

"This winter the situation is unique: F1 is in the process of being rebuilt," he said.

"Existing teams are closing their doors and new ones join the field. For the first time, there is practically no testing between November and January. The regular drivers will not be in the car before February. As a consequence there is much less pressure for the teams on the drivers' side. For 2010 I still see a very realistic chance to be racing in F1."

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