Coulthard convinced he can still win
David Coulthard, the 34-year old Scotsman, won 13 Grand Prix in his time at the Williams Team and the McLaren Mercedes Team. After joining the Red Bull Racing Team last winter, everybody thought that it would stay with 13 wins, but DC is convinced he can still win.
The Red Bull Racing team has high expectations for the 2006 season, with a new design guru on board, Adrian Newey, and a second team, Scuderia Toro Rosso.
Coulthard's value to the new team was demonstrated when they renewed his contract early and quickly confirmed his position as Red Bull number one. Now the 'veteran' wants to show he still has what it takes to beat Formula One's best.
David Coulthard "I can win another grand prix. When I left McLaren it wasn't clear what my future was in terms of racing but I showed this year I am motivated and scored more points for the team than anyone else. Of course I've won races, I've won grands prix, so I can win again."
Coulthard was not the only one with doubts hanging over him going into last season, the Red Bull team were not considered serious players. But, while they may have spent millions on marketing, they have also signalled their intent on the track, culminating in the shock capture of Newey (McLaren).
Coulthard is not surprised by their ambition though.
"I think a lot of people had significant doubts as to where Red Bull would be with the late purchase but I think we have absolutely gained credibility under the new ownership. It's about trying to put in place the right people and have the right level of investment in the areas where we will see performance gains. It's not just buying a team and taking it to 19 venues each year, there has to be a clear investment in the facilities and infrastructure, leading two or three years down the line into a new facility, new wind tunnels, those sort of things. It is a multi-year challenge to be at the front in Formula One. That is the goal of the team. I've won all my grands prix in Adrian Newey-designed cars so I am delighted to have him on board. We talked with him and he felt it was time for a new challenge so I am delighted with his decision."
