Klien does not have F1 super license
6 May, 2010
Christian Klien tries out the Hispania Racing cockpit in Barcelona
May 6 (GMM) Christian Klien does not possess a current F1 super license.
The Austrian 27-year-old joined the new HRT team earlier this week as a test and reserve driver, and is scheduled to drive Karun Chandhok’s F110 car in Friday morning practice in Spain.
But with less than 14 hours before that practice session kicks off, it emerges that Klien – a veteran of 48 grands prix and years as a test driver – does not possess the mandatory FIA document that would allow him to exit the Barcelona pitlane.
To the APA news agency, team boss Colin Kolles explained the apparent oversight.
“As long as the contract was not signed, we could not even ask for a super license,” he said. “It was all very last minute.”
Kolles said he was hopeful the situation will be resolved by Friday morning.
Meanwhile the Austrian on Thursday moved to dispel any claims that he has walked into a stormy relationship with his new HRT teammates.
But Klien, 27, told Germany’s Motorsport-Magazin.com that the pair have not complained to him.
“No, not at all,” said the Austrian. “We walked the track together and it was a good relationship.”
Klien however admitted that it is “understandable” that the two race drivers “want to sit in the car as much as possible” during the race weekends.
He said he is not sure if and when he will return to the Friday cockpit later in 2010.
“So far Barcelona is the first one planned, then the team will decide whether it will be the same for other grands prix,” explained Klien.
Related posts:
- No airbox on revised Mercedes MGP W01
- Klien: Hispania deal small step back into F1
- Klien gets F1 return break with Hispania
- Klien eyes F1 return with new manager
- Klien set for HRT Friday drive in China?
Neither did a certain Michael Schumacher when he was going to drive for Ferrari in 09, but that was quietly ignored wasn’t it