Klien to consider options outside F1

The Austrian, who last raced in Formula One with Red Bull Racing in 2006, was hoping to land the Force India seat after having tested for the team at Jerez at the end of last year.

The Silverstone-based squad, however, confirmed on Thursday that Fisichella will join Adrian Sutil in 2008, with Tonio Liuzzi as third driver.

Klien says his priority remains Formula One, but the Austrian is ready to consider other options in order to continue racing.

"I would like to thank Force India F1 for providing me with the testing opportunities in Barcelona and Jerez," said Klien in a statement.

"It was a very satisfying experience and the team did a really good job. I was happy to be fastest in Jerez and feel I worked very well with the team.

"There was intense competition for the remaining race seat beside Adrian Sutil and that was my goal after a season as test and reserve driver for the Honda Racing F1 Team.

"Obviously my first choice remains Formula One. It is important to me, however, to keep my race skills fully exercised. Therefore, I have been considering other options for the 2008 season.

"There are good opportunities outside of Formula One, that I want to explore and I am very much looking forward to developments in the coming weeks."