Coulthard set to sign new Red Bull deal

The new deal, due to be announced by the end of July, is believed to be for one year, with an option for a further season.

The 35-year-old Scot, in his 12th full season of Grand Prix racing, has made no secret of the fact that he wants to remain at Red Bull Racing, so he can drive the RB3 car designed by Adrian Newey.

Coulthard drove Newey's cars for his entire F1 career, first at Williams then at McLaren, before his switch to Red Bull for 2005.

The Scottish driver has put on some impressive performances this season, scoring Red Bull's maiden podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. Coulthard has scored 10 points so far this year.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said earlier this year that he saw no reason to let Coulthard go.

Horner told the Press Association: "He and I get along very well and if the relationship is working and it's right why stop it?

"He is tremendously fit and let's not forget Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill were older than he was when they won their World Championships. He still has a lot to offer and whilst he is still motivated and performing why should he stop?"

The identity of Coulthard's teammate, however, remains unknown, with Austrian Christian Klien looking unlikely to be retained for a third consecutive season.

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz said earlier this year Klien needed to raise him game in order to keep his seat. The Austrian billionaire, however, suggested this week that Klien still had a chance to stay.

"Klien has another couple of races to prove what he can do and that he deserves being there," Mateschitz said.

Klien, who made his Grand Prix debut with the team in 2004, has scored just one point so far this year.

The Austrian, however, believes he deserves a place in the team: "Some time soon my bad luck streak will come to an end, I know I can deliver," he said.