DC to debut F1 at Brno.

David Coulthard becomes the first F1 driver to drive a current Formula One car around the 5.4 kilometre Brno circuit in the Czech Republic when he drives a West McLaren Mercedes MP4/16 today (Saturday).

The purpose of this will be two-fold: not only to shake down the Formula One car prior to it being driven by the winner of the two-day West Race Day competition but also to evaluate the circuit with a view to possible further testing use in 2003.

It will be the first time that a current Formula One car will be driven around the circuit. Coulthard has been allotted an hour's running, during which he expects to do 12 laps.

During this session, he will also be setting up the car for the winning competitor. Full Formula One power will not be available to the winner initially but may be progressively increased as the candidate adapts himself to his machinery.

Coulthard is familiar with the circuit, having attended the MotoGP for the last two years, and has been driven around the circuit in a saloon car. He knows the layout which he finds very interesting and is curious to learn more when he takes out the Formula One car.

"I have had the pleasure of visiting the Brno circuit on many occasions," says Coulthard. "It is a superb track. I look forward to my impending run."

Milan Maderyc, Vice-President of the Czech Automobile Club, notes: "This event represents a fantastic opportunity for the Brno circuit and Czech motorsport in general. We are extremely proud to be able to host the West McLaren Mercedes team. We are also delighted to welcome David and Alex [Wurz] to the circuit, and hope this may be the start of a long term co-operation."