As he was a big “asset” for BMW in developing their 2009 Kinetic Energy Recovery System and Aerodynamic package, Klien was allowed by BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen to compete in other racing series through 2009, in order to keep him fit.
Following the in-season testing ban introduced by the FIA for the upcoming F1 season, test or reserve drivers will be left looking for a place to train their driving skills, no matter if in endurance or regular competitions.
“It is not yet fixed, but that (Le Mans) would be a good addition to my programme with BMW Sauber. I have some pre-season tests but from March until the end of the season there will be nothing other than straight-line tests. It is therefore important for me that I can still race, in order to keep myself fit,” said Klien, according to motorsport-magazin.com.
Last year, the German driver competed for French manufacturer Peugeot – on a Peugeot 908 – teaming with former F1 drivers Ricardo Zonta and Franck Montagny. He finished third overall, a result that encouraged him to later debut in the American Le Mans Series, at Petit Le Mans, still with Peugeot.
In Formula 1, Klien was determinant for BMW in developing their 2009-spec car throughout the last season. However, this is unlikely to happen again in 2009 – therefore making his job rather redundant – as the Sauber BMW F1 team will only have 17 Fridays to “play” with the new car and they will probably use them to adjust the car's setup ahead of the racing weekends.
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