Jan.11 (GMM) After missing out on the formerly vacant race seat at Force India for 2008, despite being the fastest of the winter shootout contenders, Christian Klien has now turned his focus to returning to competitive duty perhaps outside of F1.

The 24-year-old Austrian recently left his 2007 post as Honda's test and reserve driver to pursue the Force India race seat, that on Thursday was officially presented to the Roman grand prix veteran, Giancarlo Fisichella, in Mumbai.

After the Force India announcement, a statement issued by Klien's management said he would now think about his alternatives.

"Obviously my first choice remains formula one. It is important to me, however, to keep my race skills fully exercised," he is quoted as saying.

"Therefore, I have been considering other options for the 2008 season. There are good opportunities outside of formula one, that I want to explore and I am very much looking forward to developments in the coming weeks," Klien added.