DC backs Vettel for seat

David Coulthard has named Sebastian Vettel as his preferred successor at Red Bull Racing when he retires from Formula 1 competition at the end of this season.

Coulthard announced last Thursday that he will bring down the curtain on his 15-year career following the season-ending
Brazilian Grand Prix, although he will stay on at RBR as a consultant and development driver.

With Mark Webber having already signed a one-year extension to his contract, there is just one vacancy at the Milton Keynes-based squad for 2009.

Vettel has impressed with his exploits for Red Bull's 'B' team Toro Rosso this year and is widely tipped for promotion to the senior squad.

"For me Sebastian Vettel has everything that a future winner in Formula 1 needs," Coulthard said in an interview with the official F1 website.

"Also his maturity and approach shows me that he is the best man for the job.

"So I am very confident that he would be able to do a very good job for Red Bull Racing."

Source: Itv.com/F1

Yup, thats quite big of him to support Vettel like that. DC's always been a stand-up guy, and he'll be missed.

As far as Vettel goes, well he's never been up against a known quantity, so I'm not coming to any conclusions about him just yet.

I think he'll do well against Webber, but Webber's probably the most underrated driver out there, and wont be easy to beat. Will be a battle to watch, though.