Thursday 19 June at 13:19 : David Coulthard may be warming to the idea that his long career in formula one is nearing an end.

The German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport claims that only "a miracle" will now prevent Red Bull Racing from fielding its preferred lineup of Mark Webber alongside Sebastian Vettel in 2009.

Asked about the speculation, Scot Coulthard, who has contested 236 grands prix, coyly replied: "I have plans for the future."

He admits it is unlikely that his plans will involve a switch to another F1 team, and also played down the possibility of following his friend Jacques Villeneuve to NASCAR.

"I doubt it would satisfy me," Coulthard said. "After formula one, everything else is a step down."

Auto Motor und Sport reports that the most likely next move for Coulthard is a management role at RBR, but it is also rumoured that he has been offered a spot as an expert pundit for British television in 2009.