Red Bull fuels Klien ambition
Christian Klien has been confirmed as Red Bull’s race driver for the remaining three grands prix of the season.
The Austrian has impressed in his second season of Formula One, leaving Red Bull rival Vitantonio Liuzzi in the shade.
The team, formerly known as Jaguar, had planned to alternate Klien and Liuzzi but today’s news means Klien will have raced in 15 of the 19 races.
Team boss Christian Horner revealed Klien has been entrusted with the rest of the season, with Liuzzi kept on as third driver, as a direct result of Red Bull’s Minardi buy-out.
The soft drinks giant have bought Minardi in order to nurture young talent, meaning both Klien and Liuzzi – who had been vying for the right to partner David Coulthard at Red Bull Racing – are certain of race drives in 2006.
Horner said: “Following Red Bull’s acquisition of Minardi last weekend, Christian and Tonio have assured futures in Formula One.
“As a result, Red Bull Racing has decided to continue with Christian as race driver for the final three races of the year.
“Having contested the races previously, Christian will be looking to secure championship points for the team, while Tonio’s role as third driver will allow him to familiarise himself with the circuits in Brazil, Japan and China ahead of 2006.
“No decision as to which driver will compete for the team alongside David Coulthard next year has yet been made. Red Bull Racing will announce its 2006 driver line-up after the end of the season.”
