Klien to drive last three races for Red Bull 14 Sep 2005
But Liuzzi's Formula One future 'assured' says Horner
Red Bull Racing have announced that Christian Klien will remain David Coulthard’s team mate for the rest of the 2005 season, with Vitantonio Liuzzi continuing in the role of third driver.
Liuzzi, who raced in four Grands Prix earlier this year, had been hoping for another race outing before the season end. However, Red Bull’s recent Minardi purchase means he could still be on the 2006 grid with either one of the two teams.
“Following Red Bull GmbH’s acquisition of Minardi last weekend, Christian and Tonio have assured futures in F1,” confirmed Red Bull Racing’s sporting director Christian Horner. “As a result, Red Bull Racing has decided to continue with Christian as race driver for the final three races of the year.
“No decision as to which driver will compete for the team alongside David Coulthard next year has yet been made; Red Bull Racing will announce its 2006 driver line-up after the end of the season.”
Red Bull Racing are currently locked in a close battle with BAR for sixth place in the constructors’ championship and the team hope the continuity of the Coulthard-Klien driver line-up will help lift them above their rivals.
“Having contested the races previously, Christian will be looking to secure Championship points for the team, while Tonio’s role as third driver will allow him to familiarise himself with the circuits in Brazil, Japan and China ahead of 2006,” added Horner.
