Coulthard expects to agree 2010 DTM race deal

David Coulthard has hinted he is close to agreeing a deal to race with Mercedes in the German touring car series DTM in 2010.

After a couple of tests with the marque, it was suggested the Scot’s move might have been thwarted by the strained relationship at present between Mercedes and Red Bull.

"The only thing left to do is to sit down with Norbert Haug to complete the final details," said the former grand prix driver, who turns 39 on Saturday.

It was suggested Red Bull, with whom Coulthard is seen at grands prix, was unhappy after Mercedes recently inked a sponsorship contract with rival energy drinks brand Monster.

But Coulthard suggests that his DTM ride is still on.

"Maybe I will get a chance this weekend in Australia to try to talk to him (Haug). Failing that, it will be before the (DTM) season opener in Hockenheim (in late April).

"A handshake is enough for me to seal an agreement," added the Scot.

Dutch press reports said Coulthard will continue to travel to the grands prix as an expert pundit for British television.

Ralf Schumacher has now signed up for another DTM season, and other F1 names in the 2010 series are McLaren reserve Gary Paffett and Force India’s Friday driver Paul di Resta.