Short memory and Christian Klien

February 3rd, 2008

Short memory and Christian Klien

Not that long ago Christian Klien packed up his bags and said bye bye to his testing job in Honda. These are his words:

“I will look everywhere to get back into a race seat again. The places at Honda are occupied and a further year as a test driver brings nothing. One year testing is useful but it is not a permanent solution.

There are very many open places but, first of all, everyone has to wait and see what Fernando decided to do – and that could be two or three weeks away. But, I know I want to go racing again!”

The mention of Fernando Alonso in this quote is clear indication that Mr. Klien said this sometime between Alonso’s departure from McLaren and his signing for Renault. In other words, not that long ago a test driver job was nothing for Christian Klien.

And then all of a sudden BMW Sauber announces signing up Christian Klien as their test and reserve driver and Estonian Marko Asmer as a second junior test driver.

What caused this sudden change ? Short memory ? The snub from Force India ? The threat of the military service (by the way, will Austrian military still insist he reports for duty ?) Or realization that getting out the F1 circus now may mean getting out for good ?

Congratulations to Marko Asmer ! ( Here is the link to photos from 2007 Macau F3 race, with some photos of Asmer, but also other youngsters with fresh F1 test jobs - Hulkenberg and Grosjean. )

tags: Tags: BMW Sauber, Christian Klien, Honda, Macau, Marko Asmer