Istanbul run for Coulthard in Turkey 18 Jul 2005
David Coulthard crossed continents on Sunday when he drove his Red Bull across Istanbul’s famous Bosphorus Bridge, starting in the European side and finishing in the Asian side of the Turkish city.
The run was part of a promotional tie-up between Red Bull and Turkey’s Ministry of Tourism in preparation for the country’s inaugural Grand Prix on August 21. Accordingly, Coulthard’s car featured the special livery that it will also carry in the race.
His ‘lap’ of Istanbul began at the stunning Dolmabahce Palace, from where the Scot weaved his way through the city streets before crossing the Bridge. Once over, he thrilled the assembled crowds with some celebratory donuts, before heading back to the Palace once more.
There he was greeted by city dignitaries and journalists, as well as by a small fire when the RB01 overheated due to the low-speed nature of his run. The blaze was quickly put out, leaving Red Bull’s lead driver safe to proceed with a press conference.
On Saturday, Coulthard also had the chance to sample the Istanbul Speedpark circuit which will host next month’s Grand Prix. After lapping the new venue in a road car, Coulthard told Red Bull’s official website that “this is going to be one of the most difficult race tracks on the calendar.”
