DAVID Coulthard looks increasingly likely to break his links with
Jackie Stewart's Milton Keynes-based team for his second year in Formula
3000 as the Scot is courted by leading contenders in the grand prix
nursery racing class.
Although he has not yet signed a contract Bicester-based Vortex
Motorsport appear to be favourites to win Coulthard's services and drive
a new Reynard, powered by a high-tech AC Cosworth engine.
Joint team principle Ron Meadows admitted last night: ''I would love
to run him this season. Hopefully, a deal can be sorted out within seven
days. He is the best young British driver in terms of speed, ability,
and attitude and will be in Formula One for sure.''
Vortex, whose operation is next door to the Reynard factory in
Oxfordshire, have been running F3000 cars since 1990 but mediocre
driving strength has kept the team out of the limelight.
For Coulthard the move to another organisation would end a three-year
long relationship with Paul Stewart Racing which has coincided with a
vertical rise through the ranks from Formula Ford 1600 to F3000 and F1
tests.
It is believed Vortex are offering a deal below the #400,000 to
#500,000 sponsorship asking price demanded by some outfits for the
nine-race European championship.
Adrian Reynard, founder of the motor-racing constructor, is known to
be keen to have Coulthard playing a major role in developing the car.
Last year a pace-setting series of pre-season tests by the young Scot
did not translate into race results until the end of season when two
third places pulled him up to ninth in the championship.
Last December Coulthard, from Twynholm, near Kirkcudbright, was given
a coveted test session at Silverstone with the Benetton-Ford grand prix
team and despite changeable conditions he posted competitive times.
Countryman and fellow F3000 combatant Allan McNish last night conceded
that his chances of moving up to F1 are non-existent following the
withdrawal of fledgling grand prix contenders Pacific Racing.
McNish, from Dumfries, said that if insufficient cash is forthcoming
for a top-flight European F3000 challenge he will turn his attention to
securing a drive in American Indy Lights racing or the well-paid and
supported Japanese F3000 arena.
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