Formula 1
Coulthard concerned about team alliances
David Coulthard believes the possibility of 'inter-team' alliances, where teams could form their own agreements to assist one another, should be a cause for concern. The McLaren driver suggested that smaller teams could qualify with light fuel loads ...
Published: Mar 6, 2003, 1:57 PM
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David Coulthard believes the possibility of 'inter-team' alliances, where teams could form their own agreements to assist one another, should be a cause for concern. The McLaren driver suggested that smaller teams could qualify with light fuel loads and finish high up the grid, then in the race the small team could make it easier for a bigger team to get through the field after qualifying lower with a heavy fuel load.
"You can imagine a scenario where if teams become aligned with each other, if a smaller team was to qualify in a certain position and a competitor had some alliance with that team, they could ask for assistance from that team," Coulthard said.
"I would not have said something if it wasn't a concern. Typically you finish qualifying -- in the past -- in a position that truly reflects the pace of your car. Now, in theory, you are going to see top-line cars, in terms of pace, qualifying mid-grid because they have taken a strategy that is not there to impress in grid positions but is there to get a result at the end of the day."
"Although there's not allowed to be team orders directly in term of a radio link, there could be inter-team orders. Just a thought."
Coulthard did not name which teams he thought might attempt this kind of alliance but Ferrari supply Sauber with engines, which could be a factor in the kind of scenario he is imagining. Also, Jaguar's parent company Ford supplies Jordan and Minardi with Cosworth engines. However, it could be that the Scot is just being somewhat paranoid.
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