Klien to test for Spyker at Spa

Christian Klien will test for the Spyker team tomorrow at the Spa circuit, although the Dutch squad said the test did not mean the Austrian will be racing for them

Honda test driver Klien is one of the drivers Spyker is considering following the exit of Dutchman Christijan Albers earlier this week.

Spyker team boss Colin Kolles was thankful to Honda for allowing Klien to test.

"We are very grateful to the Honda Racing F1 Team for releasing Christian at such short notice to drive for the final day of our three-day test at Spa," said Kolles.

"There are many elements to be considered before we can make our final decision on drivers and we will carefully evaluate all the options over the coming days before making any announcement regarding the European Grand Prix and beyond."

Klien added: "I am very happy to have been invited to test for Spyker in Spa, one of my favourite tracks, and to have the opportunity to work with a team which is determined to make progress this season," said Klien.

"I would like to thank Spyker for this opportunity and also the Honda Racing F1 Team for its help and support in permitting me to test for another team on this occasion."

Honda's sporting director Gil de Ferran said the team were happy to help Klien if it got him a race drive.

"Christian has had limited time in the car this year as a result of the testing regulations," said de Ferran. "This test with Spyker could lead to him returning to a race seat and those opportunities do not come along often.

"As we have demonstrated on previous occasions, Honda will do whatever is possible to help our young drivers to further their careers and keep moving forward."