McLaren to keep Coulthard

By Andrew Benson
Motorsport editor at Imola

Coulthard has been at McLaren for eight years

David Coulthard profile

David Coulthard is set to be retained by McLaren-Mercedes at the end of this year, setting him up for his ninth consecutive season at the team.

McLaren feel there is no reason to replace the Scot and will almost certainly stick to that decision, sources have said.

Coulthard was already highly regarded by McLaren but he has further strengthened his position with an extremely strong start to the season.

He has not been outqualified by team-mate Kimi Raikkonen since the US Grand Prix last year.

And although the Finn is leading the championship, Coulthard - who is second - could have won all three races this season had he been luckier.

I'll be amazed if David is not retained, given the way he has been driving this year

David Coulthard's manager Martin Brundle

He was leading Raikkonen when his car broke down at the Malaysian Grand Prix, which Raikkonen won.

And Coulthard was on course to win in Brazil had the race not been stopped prematurely because of an accident.

Coulthard's manager, ITV commentator Martin Brundle, told the BBC Sport website: "I'll be amazed if he is not [retained], given the way he has been driving this year.

"Who would you replace him with?"

Coulthard is understood to be under contract for next year, but both he and McLaren can get out of the deal by a certain date if they want.

A McLaren-Mercedes spokesman said it was too early to talk about driver decisions for next season.