BMW sign Klien and Asmer as test drivers

Klien raced for Jaguar Racing and then Red Bull Racing in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, and joins BMW after a year at Honda as their test driver. Asmer is the reigning British F3 champion.

"We wanted a third driver with Formula One racing experience, as well as an up-and-coming young driver for us to train up to Formula One level," said BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen.

"With Christian we have signed on a driver who is familiar with the format of a Grand Prix weekend and can step into the breach right away should one of our team drivers have to back out.

"Marko has driven our car four times since December 4th and has made steady progress. He has worked in a concentrated, focused and calm fashion. The feedback from the engineers bears positive testimony to him, and the chemistry between him and the team is right as well."

Austrian Klien, who raced in Formula BMW in 1999, said his new position with BMW Sauber was "a bit of a homecoming".

"I'm really pleased that I will be part of the team in 2008 and continue to be involved in Formula One," the 25-year-old said.

Estonian Asmer added: "I always hoped for an opportunity to get into Formula One. Naturally I did everything I could to avoid any mistakes and to do a good job. I learnt a lot while driving in the tests at Jerez and Valencia, but also as a spectator and observer.

"I was given a very friendly welcome and got on just fine. I feel good in the BMW Sauber F1 Team and I'm very grateful to be a part of it now."