BMW have already launched their new car, in fact they were one of the first to remove the wrappers. But only two drivers were present at the unveiling last month, something that is odd at such a function. Normally the team boss is flanked by at least four drivers, varying in experience and capability. The lesser experienced drivers are posted to testing roles, and today BMW announced theirs, almost a month after the car.

BMW will use Christian Klien for their 2008 testing duties, the Austrian driver having moved out of Honda to make way for Alex Wurz. Klien has been attempting to kick start his career following his unceremonious sacking from Red Bull two years ago, but the driver has been facing difficulties and has chosen to spend another year on the bench for a Formula One team. He had tested for Force India in December alongside Giancarlo Fisichella, Ralf Schumacher and Vitantonio Liuzzi. However, the Indian team chose the two Italians to work with Adrian Sutil, and so Klien went elsewhere for a drive.

With Christian we have signed on a driver who is familiar with the format of a Grand Prix weekend and can step into the breach right away should one of our team drivers have to back out. Mario Thiessen.

Marco Asmer has been already driven the BMW, testing for the squad in December 2007 and January this year. Hailing from Estonia, Asmer took the British Formula Three title last year, taking the title with three races still to run. Marco will become BMW’s junior test driver and will dovetail his duties for the Swiss team with another F3 campaign.

Marko has driven our car four times since December 4th and has made steady progress. He has worked in a concentrated, focused and calm fashion. The feedback from the engineers bears positive testimony to him, and the chemistry between him and the team is right as well. Mario Thiessen.