Red Bull Racing announced today that David Coulthard has extended his contract and will stay with the team as lead driver for 2006, when he will drive the Ferrari-powered RB2.

The experienced 34-year-old joined Red Bull Racing for the start of the 2005 season and quickly established himself as an integral member of the team. While providing a guiding influence for the teamï¿½s young drivers, Christian Klien and Tonio Liuzzi, he has enjoyed considerable success on the track, claiming two fourth places and scoring points in six of the ten Grands Prix contested so far. At the 2005 Malaysian Grand Prix, he also secured a place in the history books, when he became the highest ever British F1 points-scorer.

Red Bull Racing Sporting Director, Christian Horner commented, ï¿½David has clearly demonstrated that heï¿½s still one of the top drivers in F1. Heï¿½s played a vital part in Red Bull Racingï¿½s on track credibility so far this season. It was therefore a very easy and natural decision to extend our agreement for 2006 and retain him as our lead driver.ï¿½

David Coulthard said, ï¿½Itï¿½s been a very positive new experience working with Red Bull Racing. The potential of the team is obvious and it made perfect sense to continue our partnership. Since I started with the team last December, the progress made has been remarkable. Iï¿½m looking forward to contributing to the development of the RB2 with the Ferrari engine and enjoying continued success with Red Bull Racing.ï¿½

2006 Formula 1 Team and Driver Line-up

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