Formula 1: Alesi picks Coulthard as Schu’s main rival

Jean Alesi expects David Coulthard will outshine Juan Pablo Montoya as the main challenger to Michael Schumacher’s supremacy in Formula One next season.

The flamboyant BMW-Williams driver Montoya, winner at Monza this year, is a driver many pundits have described as the most serious threat to Ferrari star Schumacher but Alesi believes the Colombian ‘‘lives too much for the thrill of overtaking’’.

‘‘Montoya is strong - he will be world champion material in 2003,’’ Alesi said.

But when asked who presented the biggest challenge for the German, the Frenchman said: ‘‘Coulthard.’’

McLaren-Mercedes’ Scottish driver did finish runner-up in 2001 but the title race was sewn up by Schumacher in August with four races still remaining.

French legend Alesi, who recently retired from the sport at 37 years of age, believes Coulthard will thrive as his team’s number one driver.

‘‘David Coulthard, with Mika Hakkinen’s retirement, will have the team for himself,’’ he said.