Klien Looking Forward to F1 Challenge

Austrian Christian Klien is looking forward to making his Grand Prix debut this season with the Jaguar team, although he admits his rookie year will be a steep learning curve.

"I could not have asked for a better opportunity to start off my F1 challenge," said Klien. "I have a very steep learning curve ahead of me but the support within the team is terrific and in Mark, I have not only a very quick teammate but also someone who is a great team player.

"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.

"There is a big difference between everything in Formula One and where I came from in Formula Three. It is, however, what I expected and what I now have to fully prepare for."

Klien, who will turn 21 next month, will partner Australian Mark Webber at Jaguar this season. The rookie is hoping to use his teammate's experience to get to grips with Formula One racing.

"I can learn a lot from Mark," Klien added. "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 teammate."