14 September 2014
They celebrate season ten of WSR with us #6: David Coulthard
It is David Coulthard’s turn to get behind the wheel in the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Show at the Hungaroring this weekend. A Red Bull ambassador following his retirement from Formula One, the Scot is passing on his extensive experience to the young drivers in the World Series by Renault. We tracked him down for a quick Q&A session.
Name one track you dreamed of driving when you were young.
“To me the car was more important than the track itself. I started out as a test driver with Williams Renault and for me any circuit was a dream circuit. Today, I’d have to say Melbourne, Monaco or Spa… anywhere where there’s just a real atmosphere and a challenge for the drivers.”
What would be your dream track now?
“The ultimate track would combine the challenges of Monaco and the high speed of Silverstone, Suzuka or Spa, which would make for something very challenging and amazing.”
A driver you dreamed of beating.
“My favourite driver when I was a young guy was Alain Prost. He was a giant of the Formula One world and he really inspired me. He was so consistent and had such a high win rate. To end of being the test driver in Williams Renault when he was there as a race driver, for me was a real privilege.”
A job you dreamed of doing when you were young.
“I aspired to race in Formula 1 but I thought I would work in the family transport company. I wouldn’t say I dreamed about it, but I really worked hard to become a racing driver.”
The race you would have dreamt to attend.
“I’m a fan of motorsport, but I am also a great believer in leaving for your time. I don’t dream of the past, I think of tomorrow. I’ve had my time as a driver and now I watch the youngsters. I think I can understand that all these guys racing in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 3.5 Series aspire of doing the best they can.”
It’s World Series by Renault’s tenth season this year. Can you tell us what you were doing ten years ago?
“Ten years ago I was driving in Formula One. It was my last season with McLaren and I didn’t win any races. It probably wasn’t my best season, but in 2005 I joined Red Bull Racing and started a new adventure with them.”
And what will you be doing in ten years’ time?
“My focus now is about family. In ten years our son will be 16 and I’ll be watching him doing what he wants to do, whatever it is. That’s what I hope to be doing in ten years’ time.”
