Coulthard Sorry to See Alesi Leaving F1

Frenchman Jean Alesi, who on Wednesday announced he will retire from Formula One racing at the end of 2001, will be missed next year, according to McLaren driver David Coulthard.

"It's a shame in a way that he's stopping, because of the passion that he has for the sport," said Coulthard today in Japan, with Alesi sitting next to him in the press conference.

"He is undoubtedly a unique character in Formula One, of which there is no-one like Jean. Stop me if I'm wrong but surely we all feel that loss for the sport."

37-year old Alesi has been competing in Formula One for twelve years now, taking part in 200 races, of which he has only won one - the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix. After his Jordan team decided to hire Japanese Takuma Sato for 2002, Alesi announced he wouldn't be racing in Formula One next season.

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, who finished in second place to Alesi in Canada in 1995, also paid tribute to the charismatic Frenchman.

"This is not because he's beside me but I think Jean is very very fair on the track," said Barrichello. "He's one of the nicest guys on the track.

"Probably my best memory is the first time that I finished second, my really first time, was '95 Canada when he won his first race, so we have a fantastic podium. That's my best memory with Jean."

Alesi is yet to announce where he will go next year, but the veteran driver has admitted that he will not stop racing just yet.

"I will do something," said Alesi. "We discussed with Jordan for the latest decision on Sunday last week and since then I haven't really decided what to do.

"I'm not excluding anything. I'm just waiting to see what is going to happen now, what is interesting for me. I can't say anything clearly because it's going to be wrong anyway. I'm not worried about doing something different as long as it's with wheels and a steering wheel."