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Mateschitz: Klien could earn F1 return

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz believes that Christian Klien could have opportunities to return to Formula One in the future if he impresses in the Champ Car World Series

Klien has been offered a Red Bull-backed drive with Champ Car team PKV Racing for 2007 after being dropped from the company's F1 roster in favour of Mark Webber.

"In US racing he has a fair chance to establish himself there in the top," said Mateschitz.

"He can become a hero there and by this he will remain in the focus of F1 and can offer his services in F1 again."

Should Klien decline the Champ Car drive, the seat is expected to go to current Toro Rosso test driver Neel Jani.

Mateschitz reiterated that Klien lost his place in F1 because he trailed teammate David Coulthard too often.

"Christian always knew what was demanded from him this season: to be quicker than DC and put pressure on him," said Mateschitz.

"He did not come up with that. Finally, it's the points that count."

The team boss is confident that he has chosen the right replacement in Webber.

"He is fast, skilled, a straight-forward guy, a character - he just fits perfectly into Red Bull's profile," Mateschitz said.

"I expect from him to put that pressure on DC and make him even faster too. It will make a difference for us if David scores 20 points and the other driver two or also 20..."

 

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