Austria’s Christian Klien has been released from his Red Bull Racing contract with immediate effect, and will be replaced with the teams test and reserve driver, Robert Doornbos. The Dutch Formula One driver, who had a brief fling with a Minardi last year, will contest the remaining three races alongside David Coulthard.

Klien, who was dropped by the team for next year, was offered a chance to compete in ChampCars in America with support and backing from Red Bull. But on Saturday Christian stated that the deadline had passed, and he hadn’t signed because he wants to remain in Formula One.

Christian Horner – Red Bull Team Boss – sang praise for both Klien and Doornbos, and the press statement indicated that it was Klien’s decision to leave Formula One for the time being and to allow Doornbos the chance to compete in China, Japan and Brazil. Doornbos is linked to the Midland team for next year via his nationality, so the last three races will be critical for Robert’s future career in Formula One.

F1, Formula One, Christian Klien, Robert Doornbos, Red Bull Racing, Red Bull, Christian Horner, David Coulthard