Coulthard fighting fit and ready for action

The Scot goes into the European Grand Prix, starting with Friday practice, still nursing three broken ribs from the crash but his mind clear and focused on the fight against Ferrari in Michael Schumacher's back yard.

"Inevitably I will feel some discomfort but in all the years I have been racing there has always been some aches and pains," said the Scot. "I just have to wait for the ribs to heal."

"Given what happened three broken ribs is not much really."

It is testament to Coulthard's character that despite the serious nature of the crash, he has put the ordeal aside and is resolute in his approach to the championship. "I feel fine and I am totally focused on what I can get out of the car this weekend. "This is an important race and hopefully we can notch up another 1-2."

McLaren have finished 1-2 in the last two races and made serious in-roads
into Schumacher's blistering early season lead.

But the Scot did admit that the plane crash at Lyon in France had affected his preparations for Barcelona, where he was beaten to victory by teammate Mika Hakkinen.

"I lost the momentum I built up after the win at Silverstone," he said. "No-one can go through that and not feel some sort of effect. "But I was determined not to let it affect my performance and it didn't. Now I want to try and get another win here in Germany."

He is third in the championship, two points behind Hakkinen and 16 behind points leader Michael Schumacher.