Monday 14 July at 11:39 : David Coulthard next year could become the latest formula one driver to switch into Germany's premier touring car category.

Mere days ago at the Hockenheim test, the 37-year-old Scot insisted that, following his decision to retire from formula one, he has no plans to keep racing elsewhere in 2009 or beyond.

But he has repeatedly also made clear he is not hanging up his helmet.

"I have had no conversations with anyone about racing anything next year.

"The only reason I said I haven't hung up my helmet is because in six months or one year, if there is an opportunity to race something that I think could be interesting, then everybody will say he is coming out of retirement," Coulthard told reporters.

According to the German portal Focus, however, the DTM competitor Audi may be interested in occupying Coulthard in 2009, with Red Bull providing a sponsorship link.