23/12/2004
NEWS STORY
Concerning the issue of who drives the second car for Red Bull, and even ahead of the signing of David Coulthard, we have made it clear that the final decision rests with Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz.
Speaking to Pitpass recently, it was clear that both David Pitchforth and Tony Purnell have their opinions, but the final decision rests with Mateschitz.
As the team prepares for its first season there would appear to be trouble on the horizon, in the form of Helmut Marko, former F1 and SportsCar driver, and F3000 team owner Helmut Marko.
Marko is Red Bull Racing team boss, while Purnell is team principal and Pitchforth is managing director - get the picture?
Marko has always wanted Liuzzi and Klien in the two Red Bull cars, and it is understood that behind the scenes a bitter war is already raging, resulting in Mateschitz attending a recent test session in an attempt to calm the situation.
Clearly, Marko is still up for a fight. Asked by F1 Welt about Pitchforth's recent comments regarding the team's choices for a number two driver, the Austrian said: "Mr Pitchforth must remember that he is an employee and not a team owner.
"All decisions will be made in Salzburg," he added.
Seconds out...