DC's Red Bull hopes boosted
David Coulthard's hopes of securing a race drive in Formula 1 received a big boost when Red Bull Racing owner Dietrich Mateschitz heaped praise on his abilities recently
The Austrian drinks magnate told Autosport that Coulthard, who has been replaced at McLaren by Juan Pablo Montoya, is at the top of his list of available, experienced drivers who could race for RBR in 2005.
Mateschitz's surprising enthusiasm for Coulthard, who he had previously appeared to rule out of the running, came when he visited the Barcelona F1 test last week to see Red Bull-backed youngsters Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi in action for the team
"What our team needs now is experience," Mateschitz told Autosport, "because it's difficult for us to have two rookies only. If we look at the drivers who are totally available DC is on the very,very top because there are only two drivers who have proved to be both fast and experienced: those are Nick Heidfeld and David Coulthard.
"When you talk about the second cockpit at Red Bull, experience and the ability to develop a car further, then DC is on the top of this list. I'm sure the team will talk to him and I believe that he's not only a good-looking driver, but also a great racer."
Klien and Liuzzi are both thought likely to sign with RBR for 2005, one as a race driver and the other, probably, as a test driver. As well as Coulthard and Heidfeld, Anthony Davidson and Alexander Wurz are also believed to be under consideration by the team.
Previous article
Ferrari Expect 'Biggest Challenge' in 2005
Next article
Grapevine: Minardi's F1x2 in Action at Bologna Motorshow
Why the 2021 title fight is far from F1's worst, despite its toxic background
OPINION: Formula 1 reconvenes for the Russian Grand Prix two weeks after the latest blow in ‘Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton’. While the Silverstone and Monza incidents were controversial, they thankfully lacked one element that so far separates the 2021 title fight from the worst examples of ugly championship battles
How F1’s other champion to emerge from 1991 thrived at Lotus
Mika Hakkinen became Michael Schumacher’s biggest rival in Formula 1 in the late-90s and early 2000s, having also made his F1 debut in 1991. But as MARK GALLAGHER recalls, while Schumacher wowed the world with a car that was eminently capable, Hakkinen was fighting to make his mark with a famous team in terminal decline
The forgotten F1 comeback that began Jordan’s odyssey
Before Michael Schumacher – or anyone else – had driven the 191 (or 911 as it was initially called), Eddie Jordan turned to a fellow Irishman to test his new Formula 1 car. JOHN WATSON, a grand prix winner for Penske and McLaren, recalls his role in the birth of a legend…
The squandered potential of a 70s F1 underdog
A podium finisher in its first outing but then never again, the BRM P201 was a classic case of an opportunity squandered by disorganisation and complacency, says STUART CODLING
The other notable Monza escape that F1 should learn from
OPINION: The headlines were dominated by the Italian Grand Prix crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who had the halo to thank for avoiding potentially serious injury. But two days earlier, Formula 1 had a lucky escape with a Monza pitlane incident that could also have had grave consequences
How Monza only added more questions to F1's sprint race conundrum
With two sprint races under its belt, Formula 1 must now consider its options for them going forward. While they've helped deliver exciting racing on Sundays, the sprints themselves have been somewhat lacking - creating yet another conundrum for F1 to solve...
Who should Alfa Romeo sign for 2022's F1 season?
OPINION: With Valtteri Bottas already signed up for 2022, all eyes are on the race for the second seat at Alfa Romeo next year. Antonio Giovinazzi is the current incumbent, but faces a tough competition from appealing short and long-term prospects
The "forced break" that was key to Ricciardo's Monza excellence
OPINION: Daniel Ricciardo has long been considered one of Formula 1’s elite drivers. But his struggles at McLaren since switching from Renault for 2021 have been painful to watch at times. Yet he’s recovered to banish those memories with a famous Monza win – built on a critically important foundation
