Klien thanks Red Bull (statement)

Christijan Klien drove his last race for the Red Bull Racing Team last weekend at Monza as he will be replaced for the last 3 races by Robert Doornbos. Next season Mark Webber will be the new team mate of David Coulthard. Klien released a statement in which he thanks Red Bull for the last 2 years.

Christian Klien Statement:

“After the Hungarian Grand Prix, I was informed by Red Bull Racing that David Coulthard and Mark Webber will be their drivers for the 2007 F1 season and therefore my F1 contract with RBR racing may not be renewed. Red Bull was so kind to allow me to begin looking for other F1 options immediately.

This past Friday, before my official announcement about my plans, I phoned Mr. Mateschitz. In this personal phone conversation, I thanked Mr. Mateschitz for the offer in 2007 for Red Bull in the Champ Car World Series.

At the same time I told him that following the first contacts with F1 teams during the Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago, I continue to see options for myself in F1.

Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko granted me until September 9th to decide on the Champ Car option. Since I needed more time to explore the F1 options, I regretfully could not sign up the Champ Car option by the date given.

I appreciate the Red Bull Racing decision to annul my current F1 contract. This will allow me to continue the current ongoing discussions regarding my F1 options as an independent driver, free from any contractual obligations. I assume that I can announce my decision by the end of the 2006 season.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the Red Bull Racing team for their cooperation in the past two years.”