Coulthard battles for second

In one of the best races of his career the Scot, who survived the plane crash which killed his two pilots only five days ago, battled back from fifth to finish behind Hakkinen yet again.

But for some rave racing he would have been further down the field.

After collecting his trophy he was heavily critical of Schumacher's blocking tactics as he overtook him for second approaching Elf chicane.

"Michael's first movement wasn't at all fair. He made his move too late. He waited until I was committed and then moved a second time," said the Scot.

"It was incredibly close and die-hards will say 'Its racing, don't be a pansy'. But you have to trust the guys around you

"We both arrived at the corner on the limit having almost made contact and it was a bit of relief to get away with that."

The Scot also squeezed passed Ralf Schumacher, who delayed him so long at the start of the race it cost him a tilt at victory.

"When I was behind Ralf Schumacher I was always hassling him because I wanted to get past on track rather than the pit stops and I saw he was locking up a lot so I was looking for my chance."

But it never came and he lost five seconds in his first stop, which lasted 11 seconds.

"I selected second gear instead of first and lost time getting it together again and that cost me two places, but once I pitted early the second time I got clear track and could go fast enough to get Ralf and Rubens.

"Then I took the gift from Michael. I knew it was not his normal speed because I caught him so quickly I realised that.

"But you still have to use the momentum to get by. Even two seconds a lap quicker it can be difficult to pass someone here.

"The first time he pulled to the right first time and we came very close to touching.

"Second is a good result today."

He revealed he is carrying bruises to both sides from the plane crash which have grown worse over the weekend - and may rule him out of testing in Spain next week.

"I do have some injury to both sides and its got worse each day because I've been driving in a Grand Prix car.

"Heidi and Andy [Matthews, his physio] have got bruises too but as a they have got better, I have got worse.

"I think I might not do the test this week to allow my sides to recover."