David Coulthard is not the person most likely to leave Red Bull to make way for an incoming Fernando Alonso, according to one analysis of the newly-volatile drivers’ market.
Instead, it is suggested, Mark Webber is finally on his way to Renault at the instigation of his manager – Flavio Briatore.
Briatore is known to have attempted to secure the Australian’s services for Renault in previous years. But, at the time, the manufacturers’ entire future in motorsport was under scrutiny and Red Bull must have seemed like a better bet.
It is possible that Webber might be more than ready to find another seat after an unsuccessful year dogged by reliability problems.
Simon Strang, writing on the ITV F1 website, says: “It is unlikely that DC will move to another team at this stage in his career and his deal with Red Bull is believed to be airtight.
“Webber, though, still has something to prove at the sharp end and is managed, like Alonso, by Flavio Briatore. The Australian is very happy at Red Bull and is conscious of previous inopportune career moves.
“Webber is however on record as saying he would never again go against Briatore’s wishes, so it is conceiveable that he could be placed at Renault in Fisichella’s seat to make way for Alonso at Red Bull.”
You can read the fascinating full measure of speculation here…