With confirmation that
Anthony Davidson will be leaving for
Super Aguri as expected,
Honda has taken the opportunity to sign Christian Klien and James Rossiter as its new testing strength.
Despite speculation that current
McLaren reserve Gary Paffett may get the third spot behind
Jenson Button and
Rubens Barrichello,
Red Bull refugee Klien has been handed the role of test and reserve driver, while Rossiter steps up to the role of 'official' test driver.
Despite leaving Red Bull under a cloud - having rejected a Champ Car drive to replace his
F1 activities - Klien's determination to remain in the top flight has paid off. Still only 23, the Austrian has 46 grands prix under his belt from three seasons with Christian Horner's team, and will join the Honda operation when winter testing gets underway at the end of November.
"Christian has accumulated a great deal of experience in Formula One over the past three years and this should prove extremely valuable to us given the limitations placed on teams by the new testing regulations," team boss Gil de Ferran commented, "We expect Christian to play an important role in the development of the RA107 and we look forward to working very closely with him in the winter."
Although being touted as a contender for the remaining race seat at Spyker for 2007, Klien clearly believes his future is better served with Honda and, in addition to regular testing duties, he will be in the paddock at each grand prix in case either race driver is incapacitated.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with one of the top manufacturers in
Formula One, and alongside two of the best race drivers," Klien insisted, "I have three years of F1 experience to contribute and I am looking forward to helping Honda to achieve its ambitions.
"Equally, I have a great opportunity to progress my own career, and I am very much looking forward to driving the car for the first time when winter testing begins."
