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07-05-2005, 09:04 PM
David Coulthard has agreed to drive for Red Bull in 2006, ending speculation that he was in line to join BAR.
The Scot is currently 10th in the drivers' standings with 17 points after an impressive start to the season.
And Red Bull's decision to stick with Coulthard means the 34-year-old has seen off the challenges of Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi.
Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz had said he wanted to promote the rising stars to permament race seats in 2006.
"It has been a very positive new experience working with Red Bull Racing," said Coulthard.
David is still one of the top drivers in Formula One
Christian Horner,
Red Bull Racing sporting director
"The potential of the team is obvious and it made perfect sense to continue our partnership.
"Since I started with the team last December, the progress made has been remarkable.
"I'm looking forward to contributing to the development of the 2006 car with the Ferrari engine and enjoying continued success with Red Bull Racing."
The team's sporting director, Christian Horner, said: "David has clearly demonstrated that he is still one of the top drivers in Formula One.
"He has played a vital part in Red Bull Racing's on-track credibility so far this season.
Is this a wise investment in an experienced driver or a wasted opportunity to give a younger driver a chance?
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Have your say on Five Live
"It was therefore a very easy and natural decision to extend our agreement for 2006 and retain him as our lead driver."
Coulthard had earlier admitted to having talks with BAR-Honda about next season, and was attracted to the fact that they are a manufacturer-backed team.
Rubens Barrichello of Ferrari is now believed to be BAR's favoured option should Jenson Button move to Williams.
Button seems likely to leave BAR following a difficult start to the season.
Williams have contractual first call on him if he has failed to score 70% of the points of the world championship leader by the end of July.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4103892.stm
The Scot is currently 10th in the drivers' standings with 17 points after an impressive start to the season.
And Red Bull's decision to stick with Coulthard means the 34-year-old has seen off the challenges of Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi.
Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz had said he wanted to promote the rising stars to permament race seats in 2006.
"It has been a very positive new experience working with Red Bull Racing," said Coulthard.
David is still one of the top drivers in Formula One
Christian Horner,
Red Bull Racing sporting director
"The potential of the team is obvious and it made perfect sense to continue our partnership.
"Since I started with the team last December, the progress made has been remarkable.
"I'm looking forward to contributing to the development of the 2006 car with the Ferrari engine and enjoying continued success with Red Bull Racing."
The team's sporting director, Christian Horner, said: "David has clearly demonstrated that he is still one of the top drivers in Formula One.
"He has played a vital part in Red Bull Racing's on-track credibility so far this season.
Is this a wise investment in an experienced driver or a wasted opportunity to give a younger driver a chance?
From A
Have your say on Five Live
"It was therefore a very easy and natural decision to extend our agreement for 2006 and retain him as our lead driver."
Coulthard had earlier admitted to having talks with BAR-Honda about next season, and was attracted to the fact that they are a manufacturer-backed team.
Rubens Barrichello of Ferrari is now believed to be BAR's favoured option should Jenson Button move to Williams.
Button seems likely to leave BAR following a difficult start to the season.
Williams have contractual first call on him if he has failed to score 70% of the points of the world championship leader by the end of July.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4103892.stm