30/06/2006
NEWS STORY
Just one week after Bernie Ecclestone added insult to injury, stating that Formula One doesn't need America, Red Bull driver David Coulthard appears to have taken a leaf out of the F1 supremo's book on tact.
At a time when, quite rightly, many of those within the sport are attempting to make amends for the disgraceful events surrounding the 2005 United States Grand Prix, Coulthard has said the sport should stop apologising.
"We have said sorry," the Scot told The Sun. "I don't see why the American public deserves more apologies than some other races which have not been particularly good.
"It was an unfortunate situation, but those who bought tickets have had their money back and we will just go and do the best we can," he added. "If the Americans enjoy it that's great, if they don't so be it."
It would probably be a waste of time to attempt to explain to Coulthard the difference between a race which has not been "particularly good", processional events such as those witnessed at Barcelona and Silverstone, and the event at Indianapolis, when everyone suffered as a result of a political situation that got out of hand, so we won't bother. However, Coulthard should be under no illusion, Indianapolis 2005 represented an absolute nadir for the sport, and those responsible should be begging forgiveness.
Although his current employers encourage their drivers to speak their minds and even court controversy, it will be interesting to see how Red Bull reacts to DC's comments.
Interestingly, speaking at Indianapolis in the wake of the 2005 'race', Coulthard said: "This is going to leave a long, lasting bitter taste in people's mouths. As a driver I'm embarrassed to be involved in this situation."