David Coulthard, who earlier this week was confirmed as the co-commentator for BBC's F1 coverage this season, is to retain his role as 'consultant' with Red Bull.

The deal with Red Bull, said to be worth £4m a year, sees the Scot carry out a number of duties for the company whose racing team he drove for for four seasons before retiring at the end of the 2008 season.

There is already concern that the BBC's coverage of F1 is one long advertisement for the Austrian drink company, its F1 team appearing to give unreserved access to the British broadcaster almost to the exclusion of all others. Furthermore, ahead of his official confirmation as Martin Brundle's partner in the commentary box this season there was concern that if Coulthard retained the Red Bull role it might be seen as a clash of interests.

Today, Scotland's Daily Record has confirmed that Coulthard will continue with Red Bull, a move that has led to claims that this breaches the corporation's charter, which demands impartiality from journalists, commentators and sports pundits and commentators.

Defending the move, a BBC spokesperson said: "David Coulthard will not be asked to drop or suspend his ties with Red Bull in the interests of impartiality.

"We have always been aware of this off-air relationship, which has been the case for the last two years, and will continue to manage this editorially to ensure that the relationship doesn't compromise the output. "We take steps to ensure that none of the off-air relationships that our talent may have can compromise on-air activity."

However, this didn't wash with Labour culture spokeswoman Pauline McNeill, who told the Daily Record: "The BBC should already be considering the implications of this appointment. David Coulthard is a great catch for the BBC but they have to make sure the rules are applied equally to all staff. "The rules have to be the same for everyone - there can not be exceptions for individuals if impartiality is to be maintained."

"Any commercial interests that people like Mr Coulthard have should be totally transparent," added Ted Brocklebank, culture spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives. "These interests should be made public at the very least so that we know what his connections are when he is effectively working in the public sector at the BBC."

"This is a real test of transparency and a question of being vigilant," said Lib Dem spokesman for Scotland, Argyll and Bute MP Alan Reid. "If everything is kept above board and declared, there shouldn't be a problem. If he says anything unduly supportive of Red Bull or less than impartial, it will be noticed and acted on."