The former BMW test driver admitted that it won't be a catastrophe if he'll spent one more season test driving for a Formula One team, but revealed that his chances of inking a racing deal for the 2010 season are still very high. While quite aware of the fact that it's the sponsorship package that counts for securing an F1 seat, rather that a driver's experience, Klien admitted his chances are “limited.”
Unfortunately, these are the only two teams in the Formula One roster to have serious money problems prior to their maiden F1 campaign, as stressed by several media reports in recent months. While Campos is struggling to come up with the money for retaining their rights over the Dallara chassis, US F1 is reportedly looking desperately for a sponsor to secure them a decent 2010 campaign.
Under the circumstances, a driver with great sponsorship opportunities will most likely by preferred by these two teams over one with more experience but less “market value”, which is exactly why he lost the chance to ink a deal with Renault in January.
“With Renault, I was still on the shortlist until 24 hours before the decision (to sign Petrov). It really was a last minute decision and one that was obviously not easy for the team,” revealed Klien, while also insisting that “until I no longer see a realistic chance, I will fight to take part in F1.”
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