Klien is considering other options outside of F1!

Christian Klien said he was considering options other than F1 following the decision made by Mallya and Force India to award the second race seat to Giancarlo Fisichella for 2008.

The Austrian, whose last F1 Grand Prix dates back to 2006 with Red Bull Racing, had hoped to join the Indian team after testing for them in Jerez at the end of last year.

The team based in Silverstone confirmed on Thursday that Fisichella will be alongside Adrian Sutil in 2008, with Tonio Liuzzi as the third driver.

Klien asserts that his priority remains F1, but he is ready to consider other options in order to continue experiencing the pleasure of racing.

« I would like to thank Force India for providing me with the opportunity to drive for them in the tests in Barcelona and Jerez, » said Klien in a statement.

« It was a very rewarding experience and the team did a very good job. I was happy to be the fastest in Jerez and to feel good, I worked the best I could with the team. »

« There was intense competition for the vacant spot at Force India alongside Adrian Sutil. That spot was my goal after a season as a test and reserve driver for the Honda Racing F1 Team, » he continued.

« My first choice remains F1. However, it is important for me to stay in a motorsport where I can express my driving skills. As a result, I have considered other options for the 2008 season. »

« There are good opportunities outside of Formula 1 that I want to explore, and I am looking forward to dedicating myself fully to them in the coming weeks, » concluded Klien.