Coulthard Museum Faces Closure

A museum cataloguing former F1 driver David Coulthard’s career is set to close.

The Scottish driver who retired at the end of last season had a fruitful racing career eventually leading him to be in F1 for over 10 years and gain race wins with the McLaren team.

Four years ago Coulthard’s sister abandoned running the museum after she moved away from their birthplace of Twynholm.  Afterwards, a Coulthard-Superfan – Wendy McKenzie – took over running the museum.

McKenzie told F1Live: “Short of a miracle, it will not be opening to the general public again.”

It is believed that diminishing interest in Coulthard, who is now an advisor to Red Bull Racing and a pundit of the BBC Sport F1 coverage is the reason for close.

Red Bull RB5 Launched

Red Bull Racing have today launched their 2009 contender, the RB5.

It will be the teams 5th car, and will be piloted by Australian Mark Webber and German rookie sensation Sebastian Vettel.

Their car shares some similarities with the Ferrari F60, with winglets across the top of the nose, and also with the protruding poles out of the floor wide by the sidepods for aerodynamic purposes, and also those wide wing mirrors.  The sidepods also feature in-built bargeboards, very similar to other cars.  The incredibly thin nose is a throwback to some older McLaren cars, a clear Adrian Newey design piece.

Scuderia Toro Rosso will probably run an incredibly similar car.

Christian Horner said;

“2009 will also see us benefit from greater stability in terms of how we run the operation, with all our key players in the technical group having been with us for at least two years,” said Horner. “We should not forget they designed a car that won a grand prix in 2008, in the hands of Sebastian Vettel and Scuderia Toro Rosso.

“There is no reason to believe we cannot do that again with these new rules. The regulation changes almost constitute a new formula for the sport and it will be interesting to see how the teams interpret them.

“Certainly in the early part of this season we expect to see a much bigger spread in terms of performance between the teams than we have over the past two years. “

Sebastian Vettel admitted the clear goal was to win races.

“The target is to win.  Obviously it’s not correct sitting here and say I am going to win the world championship. I want to, but we need to see.

“We need to see how we are going, where we are in comparison to the others. I believe that the new rules could give a chance to teams like us to close the gap to the front but the favourites are Ferrari and McLaren, no doubt.

“If we are doing extremely well then we will be in a position to score points regularly and maybe fight for a little bit more. I am not the kind of guy to tell you we are going to be here. I prefer to stay on the floor and work hard. If we are getting a surprise then it’s much better!”

Red Bull RB5

Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel

From the front end

Front wing detail

Sidepod and "coke bottle" detail

Rear wing and suspension detail

Sebastian Vettel "shaking down" the RB5

Coulthard Reflects On F1 Career

David Coulthard has reflected on his career in F1 in an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Scotland.

The driver discussed everything from race victories, to the final race, nearly dying in a plane crash and even showing Michael Schumacher the middle finger.

Coulthard admitted that he was very disappointed not to finish even one lap of his final race.

“I wanted to take the chequered flag, but I can’t complain after a good career,” said Coulthard.

“I’m obviously disappointed I didn’t complete a lap of the Grand Prix. What an exciting end to the world championship and what a great day for motorsport.”

Coulthard taken out on the first lap in Brazil

Coulthard probably wasn’t a bad driver, but it was unfortunate for him to be at his peak when Michael Schumacher was at his own and winning everything under the sun.

“I know opinion is divided as to whether I was any good or not,”

“If I’d won a championship, that would take away any real discussion.

“But I finished second and who really remembers the runner-up in the World Cup or in the Olympic 100m final?

“Ultimately, it’s all about winning. But I don’t feel unfulfilled in finishing second to someone who turned out to be the most successful driver in the history of the sport.

“It was just bad timing for me to be around at the time of a seven-time world champion!!”

When asked about the past, he commented,

“I’m not really someone who reminisces a great deal,”

“I certainly don’t talk about the good old days because I think I’m living them now

“I’ve been asked a lot of questions about highlights and the beginning of my career in 1994, but it seems so long ago that I don’t really remember the details.

“I’ve just been enjoying the journey.”

Coulthard's final win, Australia 2003

When the reporters decided to push Coulthard to look for some highlights of his career, which spanned from 1994, he said,

“A couple of races stand out.

“Those who follow F1 closely may remember I gave Schumacher the finger at Magny-Cours in 2000. I’m not proud of it because it’s not big and it’s not clever; but it was a race full of frustration.

“Michael tried to shove me off the circuit at the start of the race and I dropped to third and had to battle back to get in behind him and eventually pass him.  I was particularly pleased that I was able to control my emotions.”

David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher, enemies as much as friends

“Winning in Monaco for second time (in 2002) was also very special.  I led from the front on a circuit where there is just no room for error.  It’s almost a two-hour race, it’s hot and physically demanding.  If anyone was to say I wasn’t any good as a driver, I would always put forward Monaco as an example of being able to win on one of the most difficult circuits.”

So there you have it, one of the stalwarts of the F1 paddock bows out, and if Rubens Barrichello fails to secure a race seat next season, then it is good bye to the old school.

Goodbye and good luck David!

Goodbye David Coulthard!

BBC Nearly Ready To Confirm Commentators – Brundle On Verge Of Deal

The BBC, who are set to take back F1 coverage from ITV in the UK for 2009 onwards are believed to be on the verge of confirming their commentators for the forthcoming season.

Jonathan Legard is believed to become the new main commentator, with contract talks right in their final stages. Legard has been a F1 commentator on 5Live for sometime, alongside football work.

Martin Brundle is also said to be close to a deal, he has stated his desire on many occassions but formally denied he had signed on the dotted line.

Brundle said: “Nothing is signed yet. I am hopeful that I can move to the BBC and continue my current role, and we are still in discussions.”

Jake Humphrey is set to take over from Steve Rider, and the rumour mill has it that David Coulthard is going to become an expert pundit.

DC Not Hanging Up Helmet, DTM Link

David Coulthard has told reporters that even though he is leaving F1 at the end of this season, he has no intention of just hanging up his helmet.

The veteran Scot has decided to bow out of F1 at the end of 2008, after a long and illustrious career.

Unlike rival Michael Schumacher who has all but finished racing, except for a few alias races on motorbikes, he wants to continue in a series maybe 6-12 months from now.

“I have had no conversations with anyone about racing anything next year.

“The only reason I said I haven’t hung up my helmet is because in six months or one year, if there is an opportunity to race something that I think could be interesting, then everybody will say he is coming out of retirement,” Coulthard told reporters.

This news came as popular German magazine, Focus claimed that Coulthard would be following a string of other ex-F1 drivers into the German Touring Car series (DTM) racing a Red Bull sponsored Audi A4, alongside current world champion Matthias Ekstrom likely replacing Martin Tomczyk if Red Bull Audi decide not to run a 3rd car.

Mika Hakkinen, Jean Alesi, Heinz Harald Frentzen, Chrstijan Albers and Ralf Schumacher have all left F1 and entered in the series.

Coulthard Would Welcome Fernando At RBR

David Coulthard has said he would welcome Fernando Alonso to join Red Bull Racing, to take the seat he is vacating.

The retiring Scot believes that as a double world champion he could bring invaluble advice to the team who are getting podiums and aiming for that race win.

“I’ve been asked several times who I think should take over my seat next year,” Coulthard wrote on his column for the ITV website.

“That’s a decision for the Red Bull management, but the common sense answer is that it should go to the quickest guy with a proven track record who is available.

“That might be Fernando Alonso for instance; if the team could get him that would make sense because he has great credentials as a double world champion.

“But if we assume he’s not available, then it’s completely logical to take Sebastian Vettel, who is within the Red Bull family, is performing well at Toro Rosso and naturally wants to progress to the larger team. I’m confident he would do a very good job for our team.”

Kovalainen Fastest In FP2 At Silverstone

Heikki Kovalainen was fastest in FP2 at Silverstone, dominating the session.

 

Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:19.989 35 2. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:20.520 + 0.531 32 3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:20.543 + 0.554 31 4. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:20.589 + 0.600 36 5. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:20.748 + 0.759 43 6. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:20.805 + 0.816 43 7. Button Honda (B) 1:20.929 + 0.940 39 8. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:20.943 + 0.954 18 9. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:20.985 + 0.996 18 10. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:21.002 + 1.013 34 11. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:21.023 + 1.034 33 12. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:21.275 + 1.286 31 13. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) 1:21.453 + 1.464 36 14. Glock Toyota (B) 1:21.472 + 1.483 18 15. Alonso Renault (B) 1:21.511 + 1.522 27 16. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:21.520 + 1.531 42 17. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:21.634 + 1.645 39 18. Piquet Renault (B) 1:21.642 + 1.653 45 19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:21.756 + 1.767 30 20. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:22.196 + 2.207 23

David Coulthard Announces F1 Retirement

David Coulthard has announced that he will retire from Formula One at the end of this season.

The 36 year old Scot has been an F1 driver since 1994, completed 230 races and had 13 wins.

He is popular throughout the paddock, and gained many fans throughout the years, even more during the past few with Red Bull Racing with his free and easy approach to F1, bringing some humour to the generally dour pitlane.

Coulthard began his F1 career with Williams before jumping ship over to McLaren when they started their partnership with Mercedes. He raced there in the shadow of Mika Hakkinen until the Flying Finn retired. He continued with McLaren jostling for position alongside Kimi Raikkonen as Michael Schumacher took multiple world championships and completly dominated the sport. in 2005 he made the shock move to Red Bull Racing where he has had mild success but it has been marred with reliability problems.

He won’t be bowing completly out of F1, as he will continue to be a consultant to the Red Bull Racing team.

Coulthard’s Statement:

“I would like to announce today my decision to retire from racing in Formula One at the end of this season,” said the Scot in a statement ahead of the British Grand Prix.

“I will remain actively involved in the sport as a consultant to Red Bull Racing focusing on testing and development of the cars.

“I have an open mind as to whether or not I will compete again in the future, in some other form of motorsport, so I am definitely not hanging up my helmet,”

“The decision to make this announcement at the British GP should be an obvious one for all to understand, as I have achieved two of my thirteen F1 victories at Silverstone and I am a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which hosts this event,”

“I am proud of my work at Red Bull Racing and will continue to race with the same focus until the last lap in Brazil. Thereafter I will continue to help the team develop and move towards their ultimate goal of winning races.”

“There are many people who have played a part in my career and I would like to list a few of them below;

- My parents whose energy and encouragement through my entire career has been amazing

- Dave Boyce who guided me through Karting

- David Leslie Senior and Junior for teaching me how to set up and race a car

- Sir Jackie and Paul Stewart for putting me through their “staircase of talent”

- Sir Frank Williams and Williams Renault for having the faith to promote me from test driver to race driver, which lead to my first GP victory

- Ron Dennis and the McLaren team where I spent nine seasons and achieved the majority of my success.

- Norbert Haug and Mercedes for being racers through and through

- Dietrich Mateschitz and his Red Bull Racing team for providing me with the chance to contribute to the development of a new team, while continuing to compete and add to my tally of podiums

- Christian Horner for his open and professional management style in association with Helmut Marko

- Bernie Ecclestone for providing such a strong platform for us all to develop our skills and be able to call ourselves professionals. In years to come, my future family will still be thanking him for the financial success of F1

- My management team of Martin Brundle and David Cawthorne in association with Annette Hutchinson and Iain Cunningham for providing their valued opinions

- There have been three teams but only one designer, so Adrian Newey deserves special thanks for all the champagne that I have sprayed

- And last but not least, all the media, officials, marshals, medical support, mechanics, engineers, sponsors, lawyers, accountants and back room staff that I have worked with during this period.”

We wish David Coulthard much luck in the future with whatever he decides to do with his life. Congratulations on a prosperous career throughout F1.

Badoer Fastest On Day 1 Barcelona Testing

Luca Badoer put Ferrari back in a commanding position in the first day of testing at Barcelona this week.

The test driver set a fastest time of

This was enough to push maiden GP winner in Canada Robert Kubica down into 2nd position on the sheets.

Coulthard and Buemi, who were sharing the same car for Red Bull were 3rd and 4th.

Gary Paffett joined the barrage of test drivers at the event coming 5th, just ahead of Anthony Davidson who returns to F1 as Honda’s test driver.

Nico Hulkenberg was 7th in the Williams completing 112 laps, the most of anyone; with Romain Grosjean, who had problems with his engine in 8th.

“It was a great day and I’m grateful for this opportunity to test the R28 and work with the team,” Grosjean commented.

Kamui Kobayashi was last for Toyota.

Time-Sheet:

Pos	Driver	Team	Time	Laps
1	L. Badoer	Ferrari	1.22.412	82
2	R. Kubica	BMW Sauber	1.22.682	69
3	D. Coulthard	Red Bull	1.22.724	21
4	S. Buemi	Red Bull	1.22.764	79
5	G. Paffett	McLaren	1.22.938	36
6	A. Davidson	Honda	1.23.208	81
7	N. Hulkenberg	Williams	1.23.619	112
8	R. Grosjean	Renault	1.23.899	60
9	K. Kobayashi	Toyota	1.24.442	84

 

Coulthard Not Commenting On F1 Future

David Coulthard has declined to comment on his future in F1, and is certainly not going to speculate.

The Scot was discussing the recent revelations that Mark Webber, his team mafe at Red Bull Racing, who is opening discussions with the team over extending his contract.

DC thinks this is stupid to start speculation even before the European rounds have fuly got underway, and is not going to comment on his own future in F1 until something certain has been sorted.

“Speaking of career moves, my teammate Mark Webber told the media over the Istanbul weekend that he has opened talks with Red Bull to extend his contract,” Coulthard wrote,

“If I try to rationalise why Mark would say that, I can only presume it was either to stimulate talks with the team or to stimulate interest in the rest of the paddock, reminding people that he’s on the market.

“When you think about it logically, you do your private negotiations in private and then when you’ve reached an agreement you make an announcement. You don’t normally say, ‘Er, I’m about to enter negotiations…’ So I would conclude that it was a positioning tactic rather than anything else.”

“As far as my own situation goes, I will keep my own counsel until I have a firm deal to announce.”