Coulthard Close to Inking DTM Deal with Mercedes

Although only a rumor until a few weeks ago, David Coulthard's progression to the German DTM series might become reality sooner than most of us had thought. The Scot has agreed to test the AMG Mercedes C-Klasse earlier this year, but back then he had no clue whether this would translate into a race seat with the German manufacturer in the championship.

Now, prior to the Australian Grand Prix this weekend – Coulthard is joining the F1 caravan from his position as BBC pundit for the series – the Scot revealed that he has to sit down and talk to Mercedes' motorsport director Norbert Haug and figure out the details of a racing deal inside the DTM.

“The only thing left to do is to sit down with Norbert Haug to complete the final details. Maybe I will get a chance this weekend in Australia to try to talk to him (Haug). Failing that, it will be before the (DTM) season opener in Hockenheim (in late April). A handshake is enough for me to seal an agreement,” said the soon-to-be 39-year old prior to this weekend's race.

In recent days, some reports have suggested that Mercedes' recent sponsorship deal with Monster energy drink could endanger the Scot's potential contract with the German manufcaturer in the series. And that's because, while commentator for the BBC, Coulthard is also a consultant for Red Bull Racing.

Even if Mercedes and Coulthard do agree to a deal, the Scot is believed to continue his commitments with the BBC. He would therefore join Ralf Schumacher in the 2010 DTM lineup for Mercedes, although it is believed DC would get a one-year old C-Klasse to drive in his first campaign in the series.