Motor racing: Coulthard will race in Barcelona

DAVID COULTHARD heads for Barcelona today ready to face the biggest test of his career. The 29-year-old Scot will make the short trip to Spain from Nice less than two days after his private jet crashed, killing both pilots. Coulthard's McLaren team confirmed yesterday that he would compete in Sunday's grand prix despite the ordeal.

"David is trying to take stock of what has happened and will be getting ready for the weekend," a McLaren spokeswoman said. "He will be going to Barcelona and he will be in the Spanish Grand Prix. He is a professional racing driver and is very focused trying to win this race."

The Scot pulled his American fiancee, Heidi Wichlinski, and his personal trainer, Andy Matthews, from the burning Learjet which had crash landed at Lyon Airport after developing engine problems. Coulthard, who along with his fellow passengers escaped with minor injuries, spent yesterday recovering with Heidi, a fashion model, at his apartment in the Fontveille area of Monaco. Coulthard, as the winner of the last race, will attend today's official press conference at the Circuit de Catalunya.

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