Following the arrival of David Coulthard's motorhome at the Jerez circuit yesterday it has today been announced by Red Bull Racing that the Scot will take part in their testing at Jerez this week.

In a statement issued this morning: "Red Bull Racing confirmed today that as part of the continued winter test programme, David Coulthard will join the team in Jerez this week driving the 2004 car, the R5."

The test will see Coulthard in an F1 car for the first time since the Brazilian GP and in an F1 car other than a McLaren for the first time in a very long time.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the team here this week and am really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of an F1 car", Coulthard said.

"I have spoken to Dietrich Mateschitz, the new team owner, and it has been good to hear the plans for Red Bull Racing's future - it is certainly an exciting new team."

Coulthard is hoping that this test will cement him a place on the grid with Red Bull for 2005.

"I can't say today I will drive for Red Bull Racing but maybe in a few days I can say that," the former McLaren driver said.

The team added the following footnote to its statement: "There will be no further statement from David Coulthard or Red Bull Racing regarding the test at the present time".

It remains to be seen if, following what has been a fairly lacklustre season by his standards, the former McLaren star can rekindle some of the form that has brought him 13 career victories in F1.