Coulthard wasn't worried about his future

His comments came as he and team mate Mika Hakkinen made history by
stretching their partnership into a sixth-year - which is a record for
Formula 1.

The Scot was confirmed on Friday at Magny Cours as Hakkinen's teammate for 2001 - ending speculation that he could be replaced by ex-champion Jacques Villeneuve.

"Waiting to hear was not unsettling because I know that when Ron [Dennis] and Norbert [Haug of Mercedes] say something, it always happens," said Coulthard. "They told me not to be concerned and they were pleased with the job I was doing and that was good enough for me.

"If there is a doubt in your mind, no matter how small, it's bound to have an effect. Now I can put it away and focus on the battle of getting ahead of Ferrari. It removes that doubt. I'm looking forward to the future.

"Mika and I have worked together for several years, we know each other well and we can continue to have a good friendship off the track and good fights on it."

Coulthard remained bullish about his championship chances, despite Michael Schumacher's commanding points lead: "The title is still possible because there are still 90 points to play for. We just have to do the job we couldn't manage in the first half of the season. We have to take the fight to Ferrari."