Klien still in running to buy his way into HRT seat

Christian Klien still in running to buy HRT seat

(GMM) Christian Klien insists he is still in the running to secure the last race seat on the 2011 grid. After they tested recently with HRT, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Giorgio Mondini are considered the favorites for the cockpit.

But Austrian Klien, who impressed on his few outings for the struggling Spanish team last year, revealed: "My manager Roman Rummenigge is in permanent contact with the (HRT) team's management."

He told his official website that he does not think Liuzzi and Mondini are better placed to secure the ride due to their recent test outings.

"All tests were done with the 2010 car, which I have raced on five weekends last season," said Klien.

He admitted the irony of once again facing off against Liuzzi, with whom he had to share a single Red Bull cockpit in 2005.

"But Tonio and I have remained good friends over the years," said Klien. "As usual we phoned after his HRT test.

"No matter who gets the drive, it will not change our good and respectful relationship."

He said his 'plan B' is a third driver role elsewhere in F1.

"If neither works out you will certainly find me racing elsewhere," insisted Klien.