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David Coulthard previews F1 2011

Thirteen-time grand prix winner David Coulthard gives his verdict on F1's new tyres and rules, and predicts who will be in the thick of the title battle

This year's biggest talking point will be tyres. The new Pirelli rubber gives us what everybody wanted: the element of unpredictability. I've been in races where it's rained unexpectedly or the track has fallen apart, and whether it's from the rubber or the asphalt, when it's more difficult to judge available grip levels, exciting things will happen.

Some drivers have made complaints about the tyres, but I see it as part of the journey of life. If you swapped their smart phones, with all the apps, for that original Motorola brick of a mobile, they'd still be able to communicate, but missing all the tricks of the trade, imagine their moaning! 'How can I possibly function?' They will, and the cream of the crop will still rise to the top but they will be challenged more. So that could potentially shake-up the order.