DC back in favour ?

[fatbloke]

The winds of change at McLaren? With David Coulthard's contract renewal for
2001 comes the strong rumour that the Scot has bee offered double money
should he win the World Championship this year.

Coulthard, currently rumoured to be on £3m for this season is said to have
been offered a bonus equal to that amount by Ron Dennis should he win the
2000 title. Does that mean no team orders at McLaren from now on? Would DC
accept the conditions in the knowledge that 'equal' status will be bestowed
upon both drivers?

His 2001 contract is rumoured to be for £8m (Mika Hakkinen is allegedly on
£11m), again with a doubling clause.

Coulthard once again suffered the brunt of the team's unreliability during
Friday practice: his first session was scuppered by a faulty fuel pump,
whilst his second hour was brought to a halt by a leaking oil tank. Even
so, he headed the time sheets for the day...

Who is offering this bonus ? Ron Dennis ? Surely not!

[Schume]

My guess would be NH, the Man From Merc.

RD would rather stick hot needles in his own eyes.

[EERO]

Coulthard seems to be regared quite well by Daimler Benz. Haug always greets him warmly and let's not forget the phone call DC received in Park Ferme following his victory at Silverstone from the Mercedes Board of Directors.

He gave Mercedes their first F1 victory since the 50's, took two wins to Hakinnen's one (gifted by DC at the Nurburgring) in '97.

He is more media friendly, and this year at least, seems to be a changed man. I always felt that Hakinnen and Coultard were a good pairing, as Mika's game is off, David has risen to the challenge. It is his year to shine and I would love to see him rub Schuey's nose in it.

Mac will have to throw their support behind him.

And Mika, we all heard the promises uttered two years ago- its almost payback time.