By sw
November 29 2004

Speaking to Reuters Red Bull Racing owner Dietrich Mateschitz admitted that a deal with a major manufacturer is needed for 2006. He also recently mentioned that David coultard and Nick Heidfeld could be considered as drivers in 2005.
Mateschitz admits that independent private team cannot take on the major manufacturer owned team. "In the short term, a private team doesn't stand a chance," Mateschitz said. "Whether or not things are going to change and how quickly depends on the prevailing conditions and regulations. But I'm optimistic: the tendency in Formula One is for private teams to have a better chance in future. For us, of course, it is a matter of urgent concern to find a carmaker as a partner for 2006."
Red Bull Racing will use the Cosworth TJ 90 degree V10 engine this year

In regards to drivers he had this to say "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."