Feb.26 (GMM) David Coulthard has confirmed paddock speculation by agreeing that Red Bull is likely heading for a competitive season with the new Adrian Newey-penned RB4 single seater.

The Scottish veteran, who is sitting out Tuesday's testing at the Circuit de Catalunya with an apparent neck twinge, said he believes the Austrian-owned outfit will be among the fight just beneath big two competitors Ferrari and McLaren in 2008.

"I expect that we will be fighting against BMW Sauber and Williams," Coulthard, 36, told the Swiss specialist publication Motorsport Aktuell.

He explained that the Renault-powered RB4 should be a regular points-getter this year, while the target in "exceptional circumstances" could even be a maiden victory for the Milton-Keynes based outfit.

Meanwhile, Coulthard confirmed another paddock sentiment by telling Motorsport Aktuell that qualifying is not his favourite part of a grand prix weekend.

"In my entire career, the race has always been my stronger quality," he admitted.