GreenBkk Formula 1 | Coulthard won't cut Red Bull ties

Coulthard won't cut Red Bull ties

David Coulthard won't be forced to give up his lucrative contract with Red Bull after taking up a new commentary role at the BBC.

Coulthard, who drove for Red Bull from 2005 until his retirement in 2008 and then took up a consultancy role with the Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2009, was appointed new BBC co-commentator last week and critics have warned that his ties with the team could cause problems.

However, the BBC is confident his links with Red Bull won't compromise on-air activity.

"David Coulthard will not be asked to drop or suspend his ties with Red Bull in the interests of impartiality," a BBC Sports spokeswoman told Scotland's Sunday Mail.

"We have always been aware of this off-air relationship, which has been the case for the last two years, and will continue to manage this editorially to ensure that the relationship doesn't compromise the output.

"We take steps to ensure that none of the off-air relationships that our talent may have can compromise on-air activity."

Politicians have already warned the BBC that they will need to be very careful.

"The BBC should already be considering the implications of this appointment," Labour culture spokeswoman Pauline McNeill said.

"David Coulthard is a great catch for the BBC but they have to make sure the rules are applied equally to all staff. "The rules have to be the same for everyone - there can not be exceptions for individuals if impartiality is to be maintained."

Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)