Klien: 4 or 5 teams to fight for podiums regularly

By BMW Sauber F1
March 19 2009

The BMW Sauber F1 Team's fourth Formula 1 season finally gets under way on 29 March. During tests the team from Munich and Hinwil prepared systematically for its first race with the BMW Sauber F1.09. Test and Reserve driver Christian Klien also drove the car.

Although the Austrian will only take the wheel in Australia under exceptional circumstances, he is intrigued about the balance of power between the teams in Albert Park. "One thing I can already say is: The times during testing are closer than in the past season," states Christian. "Four or five teams should be able to regularly compete for podium places. The fans should be pleased, for it will be very interesting."

Christian will accompany the BMW Sauber F1 Team to all 17 races, and support team-mates Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld with advice throughout. "By the autumn I will have spent over 100 days at the race track, each of which will be packed with technical briefings, strategy meetings and PR commitments," Christian says of his schedule.

Although he will not be able to test to during the season as a result of a ban on testing, he will still be racing this year. "Between the many trips I will be working hard at my fitness for should I be required, there can be no excuses," says Christian. "In addition I will be contesting the Sebring 12 Hour race in the United States and France's 24 Hour Le Mans classic in France."