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Klien in hunt for remaining HRT seat

ESPNF1 Staff
March 6, 2011 « HRT still waits on 2011 car | »
Christian Klien in action for HRT at the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix © Sutton Images
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Christian Klien believes he is still in the running to secure the last race seat on the 2011 grid with HRT.

HRT is thought to be still searching for a pay driver to partner Narain Karthikeyan, but if it fails then Tonio Liuzzi is considered the favourite.

But Klien, who impressed on his few outings for the struggling HRT last year, revealed: "My manager Roman Rummenigge is in permanent contact with the (HRT) team's management."

He told his official website that he does not think Liuzzi and Giorgio Mondini are better placed to secure the ride due to their recent test outings. "All tests were done with the 2010 car," Klien said, "which I have raced on five weekends last season."

He admitted the irony of once again facing off against Liuzzi, with whom he had to share a single Red Bull cockpit in 2005. "But Tonio and I have remained good friends over the years," said Klien. "As usual we phoned after his HRT test. No matter who gets the drive, it will not change our good and respectful relationship."

He said his 'plan B' is a third driver role elsewhere in F1. "If neither works out you will certainly find me racing elsewhere."

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