Former F1 ace Christian Klien finished his maiden AutoGP race in Mugello despite a damaged steering eighth, securing him Pole Position for Sunday’s second run. Zele Racing teammate Tamas Kiss came a content fifth.
30–year-old Klien made a good debut for Austrian outfit Zele Racing in the AutoGP World Series Saturday overcoming severe steering damage to finish in the points. „Christian was rammed by (championship leader) Kimiya Sato right after the start in turn one. Although his steering was hampered, Christian battled hard and secured Pole for Sunday“, team boss Michael Zele said.
Klien kept up the pace with his tarnished car, catching up in the final stages of the race and rewarded himself with eighth place, which puts him on Pole for Sunday’s second run. „It’s a pity that Sato hit me right at the beginning, but it was a racing incident. Regardless, I enjoyed it very much and will of course attack from Pole tomorrow”, Klien added.
Teammate Tamas Kiss again showed his great talent, finishing fifth in a chaotic race. „Unfortunately, I had to battle massive vibrations following my pitstop. Otherwise, I would have been able to move up even further. But it’s still a good starting position for tomorrow”, the Hungarian said.
Zele Racing is in its second AutoGP season and has recorded one win, two further podiums and three Pole Positions so far.
