British Racing Drivers’ Club appoints David Coulthard as its new president and Dario Franchitti as a vice-president

Photo: BRDC

David Coulthard has been elected as president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).

The former McLaren and Red Bull F1 driver takes over from Paddy Hopkirk, whose term as president ended this month.

Coulthard had been expected to take the role after Eddie Jordan, the former team owner, leaked the news that he had secured the board’s recommendation in July.

He has now been formally appointed, following the election at the club’s annual general meeting (AGM) on September 24.

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The Scot is expected to use his business acumen and motor sport contacts to increase the influence of the club, which owns the Silverstone circuit and supports young, up-coming drivers.

A 19-year-old Coulthard was the inaugural winner of the BRDC’s young driver award in, which recognises exceptional young drivers.

The prize included a test in a McLaren MP4; the team sponsored the award along with Autosport.

Coulthard testing a McLaren after his BRDC young driver win Photo: Motorsport Images

It provided a springboard to Formula 1, first with Williams in 1994, followed by McLaren in 1997. He joined Red Bull in 2005 and ended his career three years later, with a total of 13 F1 wins and 62 podium finishes.

“I and my fellow Board Members are delighted to welcome David Coulthard as President of the BRDC,” said John Grant, chairman of the BRDC.

“We are confident that, in David, we have a President who is not only a greatly talented racing driver but also a successful businessman with an enviable network of contacts in the motorsport world which, together with his experience, should be of great benefit to the Club.”

The BRDC also elected Dario Franchitti to the post of vice-president during this year’s AGM. The four-time IndyCar championship winner fills the spot vacated by Coulthard.

Channel 4 first revealed that Coulthard was the front-runner to become BRDC president during the British Grand Prix weekend.

Eddie Jordan, presenting for Channel 4, is understood to have discussed the issue during a commercial break. When coverage resumed, Steve Jones, the host, asked: “Is it true that you are about to be announced as the president of the BRDC? True or false?”

Coulthard confirmed it as “True” and added: “I didn’t tell him, so I don’t know where he gets his sources.”

He indicated that he would combine the role with his existing punditry.