David Coulthard eager for another test in new Formula E monster

Former F1 driver David Coulthard is eager for a second go at driving Formula E's new Gen4 race car, although he would prefer a "normal track" where it can be pushed more comfortably.

The 13-time F1 race winner was given the opportunity to complete a small number of laps ahead of the second race of Formula E's Monaco E-Prix, with the performance of the car leaving him speechless.

Coulthard's first experience of the Gen4 at the Circuit de Monaco came two years after driving the current Gen3 Evo in a demonstration at the Principality, with the differences between the two leaving the Scotsman seriously impressed.

Formula E will introduce the Gen4 competitively next season, which is expected to start in mid-December, and it is set to deliver an extraordinary step in all-round performance.

It features permanent four-wheel drive, an entirely new body kit, multiple downforce settings, produces 600 kW of power (815 bhp), accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 1.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).

The design and dimensions of the car are much more similar to those of a traditional single-seater, and it is expected to be as quick as, if not quicker than, a Formula 2 car in dry conditions. In wet conditions, it will even be comparable to an F1 car.

Asked what driving the Gen4 felt like compared to the current Gen3 Evo, Coulthard explained in an interview with RacingNews365: "The sort of classic expression would be 'night and day', but actually I think it's more than that. 

"This has been coming for some time. They've been dabbling with increased power and four-wheel drive in Gen3 Evo, but to have it all the time...

"I think there's a step up in aerodynamic performance in the car as well, and a step up in tyre performance, so you combine all that together. 

"As I say, I think it would be great if a current driver could go out and do a lap to give us a comparison, because it would be several seconds quicker than Gen3 Evo, which is still a high-performing car."

Coulthard open to 'normal track' experience

Experiencing a new car for the first time in Monaco was a challenging prospect for Coulthard, who ensured he remained well away from the barriers.

As a result, he would be keen for a second test in the car, ideally at a permanent race track where he could explore the limits more comfortably and push the Gen4 further, having barely scratched the surface.

Asked if he is eager for another run in the car, Coulthard said: "Yeah, I'd love to have a chance to be on a normal track, let's say, or a road course where there's run-off and things.

"I could not go and brake at the 100-yard board into Sainte Devote, because if it doesn't slow down, then I'm going down the escape road, and that's not the purpose of what I was doing.

"So I was doing the classic brake, brake, brake, brake, and then do the apex, which is nowhere near the most efficient way of doing it.

"But it was still awesome to be able to experience it around Monte Carlo."