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.
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