Coulthard: Rules won't improve racing

Coulthard was one of several drivers to test at Barcelona with simulated 2009 downforce levels and Bridgestone's latest slick tyres.

And the Scot said in an interview in autosport.com's latest podcast that while, inevitably, mechanical grip had become a more central factor in the car's handling, more was needed to help drivers follow other cars through corners.

"There was more mechanical grip as you would expect, you have more rubber in contact with the road, and you have got less aerodynamic grip," he said.

"Now, that in itself I don't believe will unleash closer racing. Because when we race in Canada or Monza in low downforce, you still suffer the effects of loss of downforce when you follow another car.

"So we need to gain an ability to run in dirty air before you are going to see a transformation in the racing."

Coulthard also doubts that the new regulations will shake-up the order dramatically, arguing that the strengths of top teams such as Ferrari would still be visible with the new regulations.

"A consequence of lower downforce is that you have got higher top speeds, which means everybody gains relative to how much downforce they lose," he said. "So again there is a bit of stalemate there.

"Ferrari currently have one of the quickest cars in a straightline, which is partly down to horsepower and partly down to the aerodynamic efficiency of the car."

Click here to listen to Autosport's latest podcast, featuring a full interview with David Coulthard, Autosport experts' opinions ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix and a full round up on the news in the world of international motorsport.