David Coulthard ends Top Gear speculation by signing to Channel 4’s Forumla One coverage

David Coulthard has ended speculation that he will join Top Gear after signing a contract to present Channel 4’s Forumla One coverage.

Coulthard, 44, was one of three rumoured names to be joining Chris Evans on the revamped motoring show.

But the ex-formula one driver is no longer in the running after he became the first presenter to be signed by Channel 4 since it picked up the free-to-air rights for Forumla One coverage from the BBC.

Speaking of his new role, he said: “This is an exciting time for the sport and an exciting time for Whisper Films.

“The F1 World has been incredibly impressed with what Whisper has delivered over the last five years and Channel 4’s decision is testament to that. I’m looking forward to being part of an exciting new era for Forumla One.”

Coulthard was rumoured to be replacing James May and Richard Hammond alongside motoring journalist Chris Harris – who runs the YouTube channel, Chris Harris On Cars – and German racing driver Sabine Schmitz.

Other rumoured presenters Jodie Kidd, Zoe Ball and Suzi Perry all ruled themselves out last year.