Coulthard Set for Red Bull Job

The Briton has a contract to race for Red Bull Racing until the end of next season, having impressed the team greatly this year, but his future beyond 2006 is open to doubt.

Should Coulthard decide to hang up his helmet then, however, it seems that he will remain closely involved with the team for the long-term rather than turning his back on the sport completely.

Mateschitz said the team was delighted with Coulthard's input this year and looked forward to his continued involvement in the future.

"Yes, he's a good driver, and his presence in the team is ideal for us," said Mateschitz. "When he was hired, we told him he didn't have to shave every day, that he could wear whatever he wanted to and that he could always tell journalists the truth, with no need to be diplomatic. Used as he was to Mercedes, he thought we were taking the piss.

"Nowadays he's like a new man. He's aware of when the right time will come to retire, but he'll stay involved with Red Bull Racing even after he stops as a driver."

Coulthard looks certain to race alongside Christian Klien at Red Bull Racing next year, with Mateschitz having once again confirmed that Vitantonio Liuzzi will drive for Red Bull's junior team.

The identity of Liuzzi's teammate is not decided yet, however, with Red Bull tester Scott Speed facing opposition from a host of drivers believed to be pushing hard for the drive - including Narain Karthikeyan, Takuma Sato and Tiago Monteiro.

Mateschitz has ruled out a third car for his junior team, with Neel Jani set to be given that job at Red Bull Racing.

When asked who the drivers for his junior team will be, Mateschitz said: "Vito Liuzzi and probably Scott Speed, even though there are many requests for the second car.

"Minardi won't have at their disposal a third driver, a role which should be given to Jani for Red Bull Racing."