Coulthard predicts 'big things' for Wurz

David Coulthard has predicted it is only a matter of time before Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman Alex Wurz finds himself in a "major role in motorsport".

Wurz, who announced his retirement from competitive racing back in November, before then agreeing this week a one-off return to run in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Ganassi in January, had been rumoured to have been approached by Manor with a view to taking up a team principal role in 2016. However, while that never happened, Coulthard has no doubt the Austrian is set for "big things" in the future.

"I have no doubt that one day he will find himself in a major role in motorsport. He turned down the job of Manor team principal, but it is just a matter of time before big things happen," Coulthard noted in a column for the Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, Coulthard added that the work the three-time F1 podium winner and twice Le Mans 24 Hours champion does as GPDA chairman shouldn't be underestimated.

"Unfortunately it is years like this one that remind us why the Grand Prix Drivers' Association is just as important as it was in the days of Sir Jackie Stewart. The deaths of Jules Bianchi, and Justin Wilson in IndyCars, tragically bring home the importance of safety," DC added.

"Alex does a fantastic job [as GPDA chairman]. For all the big meetings he brings all the drivers together - even those who are not members - and makes sure they stand as a united front.

"After every race he [also] writes to Bernie Ecclestone, the sport's chief executive, Jean Todt, the FIA president, and Charlie Whiting, the race director, to express the drivers' feelings on the circuit or any accidents that have taken place.

"Team principals may sound off in front of the cameras for their own ends, but Alex works quietly behind the scenes for the greater good of the drivers and the sport. He does this away from the glare of publicity and receives little public recognition.

"He is a credit to our sport."