Race fitness boost for Coulthard

And he is set to have a low profile weekend - avoiding all media and marketing appearances at the Nurburgring as he continues to recover from his plane crash injuries.

The Scot has been in Monaco since doctors discovered he had cracked three ribs in the crash.

"He is alright...well, as right as can be expected with three crackes ribs," said manager Ian Cunningham on Tuesday.

"He was a bit sore last Friday, but has been exercising this week. The only thing he is not allowed to do is his stretches."

Coulthard competed at the last round of the championship in Barcelona despite increasing pain, and finished second to team-mate Mika Hakkinen as McLaren notched up their second 1-2 in successive races.

Coulthard missed out on testing at Jerez in Spain last week, but will be back in action in the cockpit on Friday morning.