Scots Formula One ace David Coulthard has completed his second test in a Mercedes DTM car, but the manufacturer’s motorsport boss Norbert Haug is still denying the 38-year-old will join the championship this year.
Coulthard, who joined Bathgate’s Paul di Resta at the two-day test on the Portimao track in Portugal’s Algarve, impressed behind the wheel of the C-Class racer. The Twynholm-born racer is a Mercedes ambassador having raced with McLaren for 10 years in F1.
But while 23-year-old Di Resta — who travelled from the test to join his Force India team at Barcelona where the final F1 test continues tomorrow — will definitely lead the Mercedes assault in DTM, Coulthard’s position remains unclear.
“Nothing is finalised,” Haug said today. “David did a good job in the first test a fortnight ago and he was keen to drive again. David is a good friend of Mercedes, and of mine, but that’s not the reason for the test. He is a fantastic guy, and he can give us very good feedback as well.
“The starting point for this was years ago when David said he was keen to get an impression of a DTM car. I think it’s important for him to know how such a car behaves.”
Despite Haug’s diplomatic stance, it’s likely Coulthard will join Di Resta in this year’s championship. But while the youngster will drive the latest 2010 C-Class, the 13-time grands prix winner is likely to get a 2008-spec car.
And with none of the 10-round DTM dates clashing with grands prix, Coulthard will be able to continue his role as BBC F1 pundit.
JM