xpb.cc David Coulthard's DTM entry?
02/27/2010
Ex-Formula 1 driver Coulthard heated up the rumor mill with his test, but M ercedes as well as Coulthard have recently kept a low profile when it comes to statements about a possible start in the highest German touring car class. As part of the Formula 1 test drives in Barcelona (February 26th), Coulthard said to auto-motor-und-sport.de: 'There is a good chance that I will drive DTM. I would like to do it. Mercedes can do me only offer a car from last year, but I can live with that. '
The decision should be made next week
Coulthard will probably then take over the cockpit from Mathias Lauda, whose DTM chances no longer look too rosy. Mercedes sports director Norbert Haug could well imagine Coulthard in the 2010 DTM. However, the Swabian knows that nothing is fixed yet. But he could be a Mercedes DTM driver by next week. The negotiations are entering their crucial phase.
'So far David has done two tests on unknown tracks (Portimao, Monteblanco) and had a lot of fun. He was quick right away,' said Haug in Barcelona. 'It has not yet been decided whether he will drive in the DTM this year.' While Coulthard's test in Monteblanco was already known , the test in Portimao did not leak to the public.
Coulthard tested in Portimao and Monteblanco
Two test drives speak for Coulthard's serious intention to contest the 2010 DTM season. 'I'm glad that they are giving me the chance to race again. The focus at the beginning is more on the fun side than on scooping up trophies. I have to learn first,' said the Scot and added: 'So that it works, But first we have to secure the financing. '
In addition to his close ties with Mercedes, Coulthard is also an ambassador for Red Bull. it is unknown yet. Red Bull is already involved in the DTM with Audi drivers Martin Tomczyk and Mattias Ekström.
Ralf Schumacher's remaining in the DTM also seems certain
Most recently was tooIt has been speculated that Coulthard might replace Ralf Schumacher, who has been linked to a Formula 1 comeback at Stefan GP. However, Haug does not rule out the possibility that four Formula 1-related drivers might even start in the DTM for Mercedes in 2010: Gary Paffett (McLaren test driver), Paul di Resta (Force India reserve driver), David Coulthard (ex-F1 ) and Ralf Schumacher.
The talks with Ralf Schumacher are about to be concluded, according to the Mercedes sports director. 'There are only little things to clarify,' said Haug. 'Ralf wants to keep driving the DTM.' And Coulthard start with it.
