Klien – ‘no decision’ yet
Although the Austrian is definitely favorite, there is some suggestion in F1 circles that Vitantonio Liuzzi's supporters are desperate that the Italian should land the ride, as opposed to a 'rookie' Minardi.
''Only one thing is certain,'' 22-year-old Klien explained at Suzuka. ''We will both drive in formula one in 2006. At the moment I can only assume that I will stay where I am.''
Red Bull-backed Christian, who was Mark Webber's Jaguar teammate last year, pounded in an excellent qualifying at Brazil a fortnight ago to totally eclipse Coulthard's time.
He denied that it had anything to do with the team's announcement that Klien, not Italian housemate Liuzzi, would race at Japan and China.
''That had nothing to do with it,'' Christian retorted. ''It was simply a great lap!''
Even the top eight in Japan, though – a single point – looks like a distant hope for Sunday's grand prix. ''We are at the end of the season,'' Klien said, referring to the fact that Red Bull have struggled to keep up with the development of top teams.