Zoom Klien has landed the BMW Sauber test role

Christian Klien is today celebrating his 25th birthday, five days after it was announced that he has joined the BMW Sauber team as Test and Reserve driver. He took the opportunity to give his initial thoughts on working with the Hinwil-based team, and his hopes for 2008.

How did you secure this opportunity with the BMW Sauber F1 Team?
"I have been speaking with BMW for some time because it is clearly one of the top teams and determined to achieve its goal of winning in Formula One. We already had good relationships there, so while I was examining other options to race in F1 I was also seeing what we could do with BMW. Fortunately everything has worked out, and I am very proud to be joining the BMW Sauber F1 Team."

Why do you think the BMW Sauber F1 Team chose you to be the official test and reserve driver?
"I think there are several reasons; most importantly the team needed an experienced driver to take on the role as reserve driver. They have faith that I’m ready to step in whenever this might become necessary. I am part of the new generation of drivers in F1, coming into it when I was 21 and racing for three years at Jaguar/Red Bull Racing before working with the Honda F1 Racing Team last season. So I think the combination of ability, experience and age worked well. "

What are your expectations about fulfilling this role at the BMW Sauber F1 Team?
"I expect to work closely with the team to try and get the best performance from the car, to help with its development and, of course, to remain race fit and ready to deputise for either driver should the need arise. I had to replace Jenson Button at Silverstone last season, although only for one session, but it showed me that you really do have to be prepared to drive at any time. That is one of the reasons I maintain a strict training regime."

What do you think of the team’s potential in 2008 and beyond?
"The team was the third strongest in 2007 and finished 2nd in the World Championship for Constructors last season and 5th and 6th in the Drivers series, so I think the BMW Sauber F1 Team has already shown its ability to compete at the front. The next step is going to be a difficult one – we want to win the first race in 2008. The competition between the top four teams will be as tough as ever this year, and I expect BMW to be the focal point of what promises to be another exciting year for all of the F1 fans around the world."