Klien called up by Red Bull

Christian Klien has been confirmed as Red Bull’s race driver for the remaining three grands prix of the season.

The Austrian has impressed in his second season of Formula One, leaving Red Bull rival Vitantonio Liuzzi in the shade.

The team, formerly known as Jaguar, had planned to alternate Klien and Liuzzi but yesterday’s news means Klien will have raced in 15 of the 19 races.

Team boss Christian Horner revealed Klien has been entrusted with the rest of the season, with Liuzzi kept on as third driver, as a direct result of Red Bull’s Minardi buy-out.

The soft drinks giant have bought Minardi in order to nurture young talent, meaning both Klien and Liuzzi - who had been vying for the right to partner David Coulthard at Red Bull Racing - are certain of race drives in 2006.