Klien rushed F1 career, says Coulthard

The 23-year-old Austrian began his Grand Prix career in 2004 with the Jaguar team, before Red Bull took over.

Klien has endured a difficult season in 2006 and will leave the team to make way for Australian Mark Webber, who will partner Coulthard in 2007.

The Austrian, who will still be backed by Red Bull, is without a drive for next season.

Coulthard praised Klien's abilities, but the veteran driver believes Klien was rushed through too quickly.

"I think it's great for the team to have two experienced drivers and obviously I feel for Christian because he has been unfortunate this year," said Coulthard ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix.

"I think he has good speed and he's still very young. People have to remember than when you start at 19 or 20 and you're put in that spotlight with that pressure, you are still a young man, probably still living at home with your parents. We all can remember the transition we go through when we start to stand on our own two feet.

"My opinion is that he's been rushed through too quickly and therefore he hasn't had the chance to show his talent.

"Therefore his period with Red Bull Racing has come to an end too quickly and that makes it difficult for him to find a drive elsewhere in Formula One and that is Formula One's loss because he drives well and his feedback is good."

Coulthard added: "Coming back to Mark, obviously I'm at a more consistent level of results in Formula One. He's come into it older with a bit more experience under his belt and he's been able to make more use of the opportunities that he's had and our goal will be to achieve the best results we can for the team."