Webber backs new teammate Klien

Mark Webber has given new Jaguar teammate Christian Klien the thumbs up and thinks the Austrian will do a good job. Klien was announced as Webber's partner for 2004 after testing for Jaguar in November. He replaces Englishman Justin Wilson who drove ...

Mark Webber has given new Jaguar teammate Christian Klien the thumbs up and thinks the Austrian will do a good job. Klien was announced as Webber's partner for 2004 after testing for Jaguar in November. He replaces Englishman Justin Wilson who drove for the team in five races this season.

Christian Klien.

Photo by Jaguar Cars and Wieck Media Services, Inc..

"I knew that he'd (Klien) done well in Europe and the Formula 3 races against Ryan Briscoe, a fellow Australian, but I didn't know much more than that really," Webber told the Jaguar website. "He won the Marlboro Masters which is obviously no mean feat and I was ready for anything really whatever decision they made."

"Jaguar Racing had a good look at Christian in Valencia so it wasn't a no-brainer and he's pretty bloody handy, that's for sure. He's very mature, very relaxed, very disciplined and makes very few mistakes. He's very controlled in himself so I'm sure he'll do a good job."

Webber was not only partnered by Wilson in 2003 by also initially by Antonio Pizzonia -- and at Minardi in 2002 the Australian also had two different teammates: Alex Yoong and, for two races, Anthony Davidson. Webber isn't bothered by yet another new face alongside him.

"I've been here before and was prepared to expect anything. I'm sort of used to having my team-mates change quite regularly now," said Webber. "I've had two at Minardi and three at Jaguar so it doesn't really affect me. I've got my guys and I'll do the best I can with them and the car I've got. I can't control what happens the other side of the garage."

While Jaguar is insistent that Klien was hired for his talent behind the wheel, it's no secret that Christian had a hefty amount of sponsor backing to bring to the deal. Webber recognizes the team needs the finances but believes Jaguar would not have hired Klien if he couldn't perform to expectations.

"People will talk about his sponsorship money but what tipped him over the edge was what he's done in the car," Mark commented. "That was a very comforting thing for Jaguar to see that he could do the business to secure the seat."