Coulthard elected BRDC president

Former Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull racer David Coulthard has been elected president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club.

The Scot succeeds Paddy Hopkirk in the role for the next two years, having been a member since 1989.

“I and my fellow board members are delighted to welcome David Coulthard as president of the BRDC,” said John Grant, chairman of the BRDC.

“We are confident that, in David, we have a president who is not only a greatly talented racing driver but also a successful businessman with an enviable network of contacts in the motorsport world which, together with his experience, should be of great benefit to the club.”

Coulthard made his Formula 1 debut in 1994 with Williams, filling the seat left following the death of Ayrton Senna.

In his 247 grands prix he won 13 times while driving alongside the likes of Damon Hill, Mika Hakkinen, and Mark Webber.

He finished second in the world championship in 2001, and third on four occasions before retiring following the 2008 season.

Now working with Channel 4 television in the UK, Coulthard has maintained a relationship with Red Bull for whom he performs in demonstration and promotional events.

Elected as vice president was Dario Franchitti, a four time IndyCar Series champion, and three time Indy 500 winner.

The BRDC oversees the running of the British Grand Prix, and Silverstone, and was the body which elected to exercise the break clause in its British GP contract during 2017.

That would have seen this year’s event the final British GP, though a new deal with Formula 1 was struck in the lead up to the event which will see the sport remain at Silverstone for a further five years.