Klien hungry to learn ropes

Klien, who will be 21 by the time of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, admits he will be on a massive learning curve this year.

"I could not have asked for a better opportunity to the start off my F1 challenge," said Klien. "The step from Formula 3 to F1 is a big one and I still have to learn some of the technical aspects of the car. Obviously I can't totally set up an F1 car until I understand how it all works, so I will rely on the team's judgement until I have done a few more tests."

"I cannot wait to get into the new car and begin what will be a very intense few weeks of testing. With only six weeks until the season's opening race, the workload will be very heavy, but this is what I have always dreamed of doing."

The Austrian says he will also borrow from team-mate Webber's expertise as he gets to grips with grand prix racing.

"I can learn a lot from Mark," he said. "He is a fantastic driver and just watching how he works with the team is really useful for me. I don't mind saying that as a young driver I look up to people like him because he is so professional and I should be able to benefit from being with such an impressive team-mate."

As well as his own team-mate, Klien has also called on the advice of his fellow countryman, former BMW Motorsport director and grand prix racer Gerhard Berger.

"Everyone at home has been brilliant - the whole of Austria seems delighted that they have another driver in F1," he said. "Gerhard has given me advice - especially recently. I've been to see him in Monaco and we have spoken about the demands of F1 - how to handle the pressure. He told me that whenever I needed help or just had a question to give him a call. That sort of support is great."