Good day for Klien and Spyker

Christian Klien had his first run with the Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team today in the final day of testing at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium. The 24-year-old Austrian completed a full day’s programme to round-off a productive three-day test for the team. Christian was the first driver to take to the damp track this morning. As the circuit dried throughout the day and he gained more experience of the car, he consistently bettered his lap times.

Christian completed 63 laps in total to bring the team’s overall test mileage to more than 1,150km as he ran through a programme of evaluation between the hard and medium Bridgestone Potenza tyres, set-up and control and brake system work. Despite this being Klien’s first-ever run in the Ferrari-powered F8-VII, he recorded a best lap of 1min 49.119, just 2.4secs from the fastest time of the day.

Dominic Harlow, chief race and test engineer "Christian's programme today condensed a lot of work into a short time. The testing included tyre evaluation, brake system, and control system changes as well as familiarising the driver with the car and systems. The team welcomed the chance to test with Christian; he is a professional and contributed to the day from the start. It was a very interesting day, and apart from a minor technical problem stopping the car on the track for the first time in three days, it was a very productive way to round off the test."

Christian Klien "Obviously it was a new team, new car and a new seat and it took some time to get used to it, but there is a good bunch of people here and I felt at home straight away. We did a lot of mileage, but obviously today’s focus was to get used to the car and how the engine and gearbox works. I think it all went well, there is potential in the car and I enjoyed the day testing with Spyker. Thanks again to Honda Racing F1 Team for allowing me this opportunity."