Coulthard: Jack has a Grand future
Irish skipper Porterfield: We passed the real Test
DAVID COULTHARD has backed youngster Jack Aitken to be the next Scot to win a Grand Prix.
Renault F1 reserve driver Aitken – who sports the Scottish unicorn on his helmet – makes the step up today when he tests their car at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Race driver Carlos Sainz Jr drove yesterday but Aitken has been handed the chance to impress over other race driver Nico Hulkenberg. It follows a big weekend for the 22-year-old who won his first F2 race in Spain – boosting his chances of moving up a class soon.
Coulthard, Scotland’s last F1 winner in Australia in 2003, said: “I wish Jack all the best.
“I’m a proud Scot and I’d love to see the next generation getting their opportunity.
“However he’s done it, he’s already put in a lot of the hard work getting himself in a BY FRANK HAYNES WILLIAM PORTERFIELD says Ireland have proved they belong in cricket’s longest format after their brave Test debut ended in a five-wicket loss to Pakistan.
The Irish were dreaming of an upset in Malahide when they had Pakistan 14 for three in pursuit of a victory target of 160.
But an unbeaten 74 for Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam’s 59 helped the tourists to a win that had been on the cards after they bowled Ireland out for 130 on Sunday for a 180-run lead.
There have been just three victories for teams following on – and no country has won their first Test since Australia in 1877.
Yet the Irish came close on both fronts, hitting a spirited 339 in their second innings.
Having beaten Pakistan, West Indies and England at World Cups, Porterfield reckons their spirited performance is evidence they deserve their seat at the sport’s top table too.
The Irish captain said: “The biggest thing was how we fought back in the second innings with the bat – that showed the character we have.
“It’s been talked about during big occasions, World Cups. But Test cricket is Test cricket for a reason, it’s in the name, you do get tested and we were after the first innings.
“To get up to close to 350 showed what we’ve got in the changing room and the passion we have for playing our cricket.” position where he can do the test. He just needs to deliver his talent and show what we can do.
“If he does, there’s no reason why he won’t be in F1 in the future – and carry on for Scotland where I left off.”
Coulthard also revealed Aitken – whose father comes from Lanarkshire – has impressed another racing countryman.
He added: “Allan McNish is a friend of mine and he speaks highly of Jack.”