Coulthard to test for RBR

Although Coulthard's F1 future had looked far from certain after he failed to secure a contract before the end of the season, the Briton has been locked in negotiations with RBR and is understood to be close to signing a contract.

Speaking at the Stade de France on Saturday where he was competing in the Race of Champions, Coulthard said of his hopes for a seat with RBR: "I made it pretty clear during the course of the season that I want to continue in Formula 1 and obviously there are limited seats available.

"Their [RBR's] position is that they are the team that's most likely because of the availability they have and the position they are in. I can't say today I will drive for Red Bull Racing but maybe in a few days I can say that.

"There are still some options and in the next week or so we'll hopefully have a position. Within the next week I would imagine - if you are not out running before the end of the year then it becomes very difficult."

Although the front-running Williams team looks increasingly likely to take Antonio Pizzonia alongside Mark Webber next year, Coulthard has not completely given up hope of a deal there either. Nick Heidfeld is also in the running following a recent impressive test - and he will get another run next week.

"There are no doors closed. Until someone signs a contract there's always hope and always possibilities. I tested for three years for Williams and I've been in Formula 1 for 11 years.

"One test is not going to make or break anyone, it's just a bizarre way that teams need to find comfort in their position. It's their business how they want to go about evaluating their drivers."

Although a switch to RBR would unlikely bring Coulthard the kind of race-winning performance he enjoyed during his time at McLaren, he insists that with the fresh cash injection from new owner Dietrich Mateschitz the former Jaguar team could yet spring a surprise.

"You don't know until you work inside an organisation, it's the old thing of saying if I had more money I could do a better job. Ferrari had a lot of money for a lot of years and did nothing," added Coulthard.

"It's not just about money, it's the right people and spending in the right areas. It's important for me to know if you add an extra drop of money if performance will pick up.

"You've just got to be realistic about what package they have and where they are aiming for."

RBR is due to join testing at Jerez in Spain from Wednesday and sources claim that it is likely Coulthard will join the outfit from that day -- irrespective of whether he has agreed a final contract to race for them in 2005.