Coulthard back in frame for drive at Red Bull?

McLaren-Mercedes reject David Coulthard could yet end up at Red Bull Racing in 2005.

According to reports by Reuters, Red Bull owner, Dietrich Mateschitz is still said to be considering the Scot, who has a wealth of experience in F1, having made his debut with Williams in 1994. He was keen to emphasise though that Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi still remain his favourites.

"Among the experienced drivers with 'development know-how', David Coulthard and Nick Heidfeld would be of interest, for example," he told Reuters, when asked about the teams driver options for next year.

"It's no accident that people talk about the first year in Formula One as being a learning year," he added.

"Afterwards a driver has to prove himself. From that point of view, Christian Klien should get his chance, but he has to prove himself in a series of tests - just like Vitantonio Liuzzi, who impressively won the Formula 3000 championship as a Red Bull junior driver."

Last week, Mateschitz was reported that DC was not under consideration, and that Klien would be offered a drive, something, at least, from these latest quotes that appears less clear-cut.

Speaking to the German publication Bild am Sonntag, he was reported to have said: "Heidfeld, I like and, in addition, BMW has an interest in him. Coulthard, however, does not belong to our selection.

"Ex-Jaguar driver Christian Klien will get a contract offer from us. He has earned the chance of a second year.

"Vitantonio Liuzzi will test next week. Liuzzi is likely to be merged into the team, either as a race driver or test driver."

Watch this space for further updates...