• Spanish Grand Prix

Klien gets HRT chance

Christian Klien will get his chance for HRT on Friday © Sutton Images

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Christian Klien will return to Formula One as a test and reserve driver for Hispania, starting with Friday's free practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old Austrian was Mark Webber's team-mate at Jaguar Racing in 2004 before moving to Red Bull for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. More recently, Klien was a test driver for Honda and BMW but hopes his latest chance will provide a stepping-stone to another full time drive.

"This role offers me the opportunity to rejoin the Formula One environment and drive again, which is naturally where my longer-term ambitions lie," said Klien. "I was in Bahrain and China and had a close look at the car already. I have also met the team members and I know quite a number of them from my previous race seasons.

"I would like to thank Dr Colin Kolles for the interest he has shown in me at this stage. It is exciting and very motivating to be part of a new team structure in such a challenging sport."

Team boss Kolles said he had followed the progress of Klien during his early days racing in the ADAC series.

"He is a young and fast driver," said Kolles. "I have been keeping a close eye on him since his first races in the ADAC series as I believe he has great potential.

"We look forward to having Christian alongside us in Barcelona later this week so he can spend some valuable familiarisation time with the team. As a young team we are looking for drivers who can grow with us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.