Former BMW test driver Christian Klien insists that he is not giving up on the 2010 Formula 1 season, with Sauber's confirmation of Pedro de la Rosa seeing one more place on the grid disappear on Tuesday. The Austrian admits, however, that he is still in serious discussions with two of the remaining teams with vacancies.
With Sauber's line-up now established, the Renault, Campos and US F1 teams still hold opportunities for drivers, with Toro Rosso officially having one place left too. Having tested for BMW - previous owners of Sauber - since the start of 2008, Klien had long since been tipped as a possible favourite to race alongside Kamui Kobayashi.
"In the past two months I have been to Hinwil about every ten days to speak with the engineers about the development of the 2010 car," 26-year-old Christian explained on his website. "Peter Sauber (Team Principal) himself has put all his efforts into supporting his Hinwil team and he was always very open towards me in terms of a contract.
"However, a few decisions about the sale of the team were made very late and the FIA entry was not granted until the beginning of December, which has certainly not made the whole situation for the team easier. I was well aware that my main rival for the seat was Pedro de la Rosa; in my view, the fact that the decision was taken so late shows that it was not an easy one for Peter Sauber."
Klien is adamant, though, that his chances are far from scuppered. "Not at all!" the Austrian continued. "There are still a few seats up for grabs. I have been approached by several teams throughout the 2009 season - with two of those teams I am currently in serious negotiations. My goal is to be racing in F1 this season and I still have every chance of achieving that."
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