Coulthard will not take top Mercedes

Both the manufacturer and the 13-time grand prix winner have said they are keen for their relationship to continue into next season.

But Coulthard has always stated that he does not want to move up to a front-line car when there are other drivers in the team more deserving of the chance.

Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug confirmed the issue has not been discussed during negotiations with the Scot.

"I hope David will continue, and we are talking," Haug told AUTOSPORT. "I think he did a great job - to finish your first year with points and the fastest lap in the final race is very impressive.

"The 2008 and '09 cars are quite well balanced at the moment, so [promotion] is not a discussion. You can really show what you can do in the old car. David could have had better results this year, but he was learning."

With 2010 DTM champion Paul di Resta expected to move into Formula 1 with Force India next year, Jamie Green has been tipped to take his place in the crack HWA team. But Haug remains coy on the issue.

"We support Paul to be in Formula 1 next year," Haug added. "Should he be in Formula 1 then there will be a change in DTM. Jamie is very experienced and he has been with us a very long time. So we will see."