Coulthard would consider NASCAR

The Scot, who also hinted at closing on the end of his career in Formula One, told espn.com at the Race of Champions last weekend that he would prefer NASCAR over a single-seater series like the IRL if he was to commit to a move to the US.

"I would consider something like NASCAR," Coulthard said "I don't think I would consider IRL. The only thing is, in America, you have to commit to it absolutely. Which means you move out there, take your family there.

"But I'd certainly consider it. This will be my 15th season in Formula One. After that... I'll do this as long as I'm having fun, as long as they keep saying 'Would you like to continue?'"

Coulthard praised NASCAR saying that even if there has not been a massive interest towards the series in Formula One circles, he believes that it can be a big challenge like it has been for his former rival and friend Jacques Villeneuve.

He added that the migration of open-wheel drivers that kicked off last year with Juan Pablo Montoya has contributed to change the overall perception of NASCAR in Europe and around the world.

"I think it's checking the box of NASCAR," he added. "Generally, people in Formula One haven't really been that aware of NASCAR, and of what we have been aware of we've probably higher respect for NASCAR than what we have for the oval racing IRL.

"That may come as a surprise, but as a single-seater racer in Europe, the perception in Europe is if you're flat on a super speedway, yes there's tactics, but how is that more challenging than driving Monaco?

"That's a simplistic view, I know, and I've not done it. But [Jacques] Villeneuve is a friend of mine who's obviously won over there [in Champ Car], came over to F1 and won in F1. I just know it's a different challenge."

Coulthard, whose Formula One team has a sister operation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, believes the arrival of more foreign drivers will help the series to continue to expand, even if he thinks that still the more established stock car drivers will prevail over those coming from other series.

"NASCAR is so different, and any of us in a touring car would find how difficult they are relative to a single-seater," Coulthard said. "So all it does is keep checking the boxes [for NASCAR].

"If they keep getting, it doesn't have to be European drivers, but if they keep getting foreign drivers in the championship it's only a matter of time before it becomes more and more [followed] around the world.

"From a NASCAR point of view, from what I can see they're not fumbling with the business model to make money and everyone's doing very well. But it can't hurt any business to expand.

"And yeah, maybe it's frowned upon by some of the good ol' boys. But the Jimmie Johnsons, the consistent talented guys, will still be there and mixing it with these drivers from other formulas - and beating them."