Coulthard to wear McRae colours

Coulthard and McRae were great friends on and off the track

David Coulthard will wear a helmet designed like Colin McRae's at the Japanese Grand Prix as a tribute to the 1995 World Rally Champion.

McRae, his son and two other passengers died in a helicopter crash near his home in Scotland earlier this month.

"I've had permission from the McRae family to race with Colin's design on my helmet which I intend to do with pride," Coulthard told Radio 5Live.

"I'll ask other drivers to sign it and give it to the family as a memento."

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Coulthard and McRae had teamed up in the Nations Cup section of the annual Race of Champions event in recent years and the duo were due to compete again in this year's instalment at Wembley in December.

Coulthard added: "The McRae family can keep the helmet or they may decide to give it to a foundation to raise funds.

"Either way I'm proud to wear the helmet, although I'm not sure I'll be able to drive anywhere near as sideways as he would, but I'll do my best."