London: Austrian Christian Klien has joined Formula One newcomers Hispania as a second test driver and will practice this Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix, the team said on Wednesday.
Spanish Hispania, one of three new teams this season, last month also signed Japan's Sakon Yamamoto as test and reserve driver.
Klien, 27, raced for Jaguar and Red Bull between 2004 and 2006 and was most recently BMW's reserve driver until the German manufacturer quit the sport last year.
"We look forward to having Christian alongside us in Barcelona later this week so he can spend some valuable familiarisation time with the team," said team boss Colin Kolles.
Hispania's two race drivers are Brazilian Bruno Senna and Indian Karun Chandhok. A team spokeswoman said it was not yet decided which one Klien would replace in the Friday practice at Barcelona.
"This role offers me the opportunity to rejoin the Formula One environment and drive again, which is naturally where my longer-term ambitions lie," said Klien.
